The Forty Thieves

The Forty Thieves is a musical drama in 2 acts by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) [1] and George Colman, the Younger (1762-1836)[2], with music by Michael Kelly (1762-1826) and choreography ("ballet and action") by D'Egville.

The original text

Based on the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, the scenario was by Sheridan and originally the dialogue by Charles Ward, afterwards revised by Colman the Younger for the 1806 edition.

First performed in London at the Theatre Royal at Drury Lane on 18 April, 1806, and in New York and at the New Theatre, Philadelphia, in 1808. It is described variously as a "Grand Operatical Romance" (1806 and 1808 Lacey and Carey editions) and "Grand Romantic Drama" (1825 Duncombe edition).

Published in 1806 by Lacey (London), 1808 by M.Carey (Philadelphia), and by Duncombe (London) in 1825.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

In the early part of the 19th century, there was a close link between Cape Town and the island of St Helena and apparently monthly plays were performed on the island of St Helena by the garrison there, according to an article on "St. Helena Theatricals" in The South African Commercial Advertiser of 12 October 1825. (See also Theatre on St Helena)

c. 1825: Forty Thieves (descriebed as a "romannce"), including in this case new scenery painted by an inhabitant of the island named Mr Julio, was one of the presentations specifically mentioned.

1908: Forty Thieves, probably a pantomime version of this work, was performed by a Gaiety Company at the Opera House, Cape Town.