Jester Gallery

The Yeoman of the Guard by W S Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

Promotional postcard for The Yeomen of the Guard by W. S. Gilbert; music Arthur Sullivan. First produced Savoy Theatre, 3rd October 1888. The jester, Jack Point, is shown with Elsie Maynard, a strolling singer, with whom he sings a duet. For Theatre Royal, Newcastle-on-Tyne, 18th May 1914. Date: 1914

© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

Christmas Feasting in reign of Henry VI

The arrival of the peacock in a baronial hall in the days of Henry VI, with the customary procession ushering in the feast's centrepiece. On the left is a jester and a varlet chasing off a dog to make way for the steward. Behind the steward walk the panterer, two trumpeters, the carver, holding aloft the peacock pie ad the master cook. The fireplace, piled with Yule logs, is in the middle of the hall, as in Saxon times. Date: 24 November 1930

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Christopher Sly by Giovacchino Forzano

Christopher Sly by Giovacchino Forzano (19 November 1884 28 October 1970) translated by H. B. Cotterill and starring Matheson Lang (May 15, 1879 April 11, 1948). First produced at the New Theatre in London (now known as The Noel Coward Theatre) on 31st August 1921. Sly, in the blue cloak, has been taken from Shakespeares The Taming of the Shrew. He still drinks too much, but becomes a tragic figure, when, given a noblemans clothes and admitted to court, he kills himself because he cannot stand the mockery. The artist is Charles Buchel (18721950). Date: 1921

© The Michael Diamond Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library