Detail from "the pantomimes" by d. H. Friston in the january 6, 1872 illustrated london news, showing thespis by gilbert and sullivan. The original has two other pantomimes stacked above it. It has been slightly cleaned up to isolate thespis from the illustration of noah's ark above. The scene is from late in act i, either just after the gods appear to thespis (and before they chase the other thespians off) in the dialogue before the finale, or at the return of the thespians within the act i finale. Given the lack of diana, it's probably the former. Terence rees, in thespis: a gilbert and sullivan enigma identifies the actors on page 99. From left to right: apollo (fred sullivan), mars (frank wood), jupiter (john maclean), thespis (j. L. Toole), stupidas [background, in pointy hat] (fred payne), preposteros [arms crossed] (harry payne), and mercury (nelly farren). Whole page in the iln - gaiety. Date: 6 January 1872. Thespis - Illustrated London News Jan 6 1872
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