This, at the present day sounds very insipid, if not, irreverent fooling. A’ Beckett also turned Manfred into a burlesque ballet opera in 1834. These pieces were considered worth publishing, and are curious, as shewing the style of composition that amused an audience nearly 50 years ago.”
Following up the clue given in this letter, it appears that this burlesque was first produced at the St. James’s Theatre October 29, 1837, when the cast was as follows:—
NATIVES.
King John the first. (Successor to Richard the Second)
Mr. H. Hall.
Hubert. (Dentist and Cupper to the Court)
Mr. Wright.
Ruffian. (Attached to Hubert, but a member of the Animal’s Friend Society)
Mr. Hart.
Faulconbridge. (Illegitimate & bar Sinister)