3-077-804 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Guards' Burlesque, "Fra Diavolo," at the Theatre, Chelsea Barracks, 1890. 'The merry times of the Grande Duchesse de Gérolstein seem to return with the flocking of...the fashionable world generally to the gay little theatre...the late H. J. Byron's diverting Gaiety burlesque...posted "up to date" by Mr. William Yardley and Mr. Edward Solomon,...entertained Society and Tommy Atkins at Chelsea...there was a certain Corporal Christian, who won cordial applause by his terpsichorean agility. All who are acquainted with the dramatic talent of Colonel H. Ricardo and Captain F. C. Ricardo will not need to be told that they shone as Giacomo and Fra Diavolo. Remarkable, likewise, for the spirited representation of Sir Simpleton Simon by Sir Augustus Webster, for the capital Beppo of Mr. George Macdonald, and the Matteo of Mr. Crompton-Roberts, "Fra Diavolo" was furthermore lucky in having a charming Zerlina and Lady Simpleton Simon in Miss Rose Hawdon and Bliss Annie Schletter. A particularly interesting feature was the introduction of the Carabineers in the uniform worn by the Foot Guards in 1790...the Guards' burlesque (admirably stage-managed by Mr. Soutar and Mr. Charles Hawtrey) was...performed for the benefit of the Guards' Industrial Home'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.