1809.

I cannot more pleasantly close this year than by inserting a copy of one of John Bannister’s bills for his Budget;[339] and as the original is now an extreme rarity, I conclude that some of those “gude folks” who witnessed the delightful humour displayed by that gifted son of Thespis, may possibly be better enabled to recollect how much they giggled twenty-three years ago.

“Oh the days when I was young!”

The type of the long lines in the original bill, which is of a small folio size, being too small to be read without spectacles, I have necessarily, in some instances, been obliged to increase the number of lines in the following copy.

“THEATRE, IPSWICH.

POSITIVELY FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Patronised by their Majesties,
Before whom Mr. Bannister had the honour of performing,
At the Queen’s House, Frogmore.

The Public are most respectfully informed,
On Wednesday, the 29th of November, 1809,
Will be presented,

A Miscellaneous Divertisement,
With considerable vocal and rhetorical variations, called

BANNISTER’S BUDGET;
Or, An Actor’s Ways and Means!

Consisting of
Recitations and Comic Songs;
Which will be sung and spoken by
Mr. Bannister, of the late Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

“The above Divertisement is entirely new; the prose and verse which compose it having been written expressly for the occasion of Mr. Bannister’s Tour, by Messrs. Colman, Reynolds, Cherry, T. Dibdin, C. Dibdin, Jun., and others.

The whole of the Entertainment has been arranged and revised by Mr. Colman.

The songs (which Mr. Reeve, Jun., will accompany on the pianoforte,) are principally composed by Mr. Reeve.

Prospectus of the Divertisement.

“Part I.—Exordium.—Mr. Bannister’s Interview with Garrick.—Garrick’s Manner attempted by Mr. Bannister in a Shaving Dialogue.—Mr. Doublelungs in the Clay-pit.—Macklin’s advice to his Pupils.—The Ship’s Chaplain, and Jack Haulyard, the Boatswain; or, Two Ways of Telling a Story.—Sam Stern.—The Melodramaniac, or Value of Vocal Talent.—Mr. and Mrs. O’Blunder, or, Irish Suicide!

“Part II.—Superannuated Sexton.—Original Anecdotes of a late well-known eccentric Character.—Trial at the Old Bailey.—Cross-Examination.—Counsellor Garble.—Barrister Snip-snap.—Serjeant Splitbrain.—Address to the Jury.—Simon Soaker, and Deputy Dragon.

“Part III.—Club of Queer Fellows!—President Hosier.—Speech from the Chair.—Mr. Hesitate.—Mr. Sawney Mac Snip.—Musical Poulterer.—Duet between a Game Cock and a Dorking Hen.—Mr. Molasses.—Mr. Mimé.—Monotony exemplified.—Mr. Kill-joy, the Whistling Orator.—Susan and Strephon.—Budget closed.

Rotation of Comic Songs to be introduced on this particular occasion.

“IN PART I.

“IN PART II.

“IN PART III.

The doors to be opened at six o’clock, and to begin precisely at seven. Boxes, Upper Circle, 4s.; Lower Circle, 3s.; Pit, 2s., Gallery, 1s.

N.B. Care has been taken to have the Theatre well aired.”