Transcription
EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES.
THIS present MONDAY, June 27, 1796, being the FIRST NIGHT of the celebrated Mr. HANDY and COMPANY’s ENGAGEMENT.
Extract of a Latter received by Mr. ASTLEY, Proprietor of the Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge.
“Dear SIR,
“I am very desirous, on my return to Oxford, to perform in London. You, Sir, (who are considered the Father of all the Equestrian Performers,) can be no stranger to the abilities of Self and Company. You having seen them some time since perform before the whole University of Oxford with unbounded applause, you know, Sir, we are not consined [sic] to any particular Equestrian agility. We perform Horsemanship in general, on one, two, and three horses; also singular Performances on the Rope, the Wire, Polander’s Exercises, and various other Amusements.
“I hereby offer you fifteen of the most capital general Performers of Horsemanship, perhaps in the world; and fifteen horses, together with two surprising Ladies; the only Horsewomen in their line in Europe, to perform at your Theatre, Westminster Bridge, six nights.
“Terms One Hundred and Fifty Guineas, or one clear Benefit, optional with yourself.
“I remain, Sir, your humble servant,
“BENJAMIN HANDY.”
Southampton, June 22, 1796.
Mr. ASTLEY, Sen.
Most respectfully informs the Nobility, Gentry, and others, that he has, in consequence of the above letter, engaged Mr. HANDY, and his surprising numerous Company, for SIX NIGHTS.—Their first appearance will be
THIS PRESENT MONDAY, June 27, 1796,
And continue every Evening during this Week.
[three star symbol] Please to observe, Mr. Handy’s Company will appear in Blue Facings, and that of the Amphitheatre in Red.—Both Troops will be assisted by the extraordinary Performances of
TWO LADIES ON HORSEBACK.
In the Intervals of the GENERAL DISPLAY of HORSEMANSHIP will be given Pantomimical Ballets, Comic Musical Pieces, and Mechanical Pantomimes, &c. expressly prepared for the occasion; the whole forming the most pleasing Evening’s Amusements that ever did, or perhaps ever will appear again in London, or any other city whatever.
Doors to be opened (during the six nights), at a quarter past Five, and the Entertainments to begin at a quarter past Six; the whole to conclude at half past Ten.
Box 4s. Second Price 2s. Pit 2s. Second Price 1s. Gallery 1s. Second Price 6d.
[three star symbol] Places in the Boxes to be taken of Mrs. Connell, between the hours of Eleven and Three. Servants to keep them are requested to be at the Amphitheatre, Westminster Bridge, precisely at Five o’clock.
