The Steeple-chase, or In the Pigskin

The Steeple-chase, or In the Pigskin is an original farce in one act by John Maddison Morton (1811-1891).

The original text

First performed in the Nedw Adelphi Theatre, Londoon, on March 22nd, 1865 by Benjamin Webster

Published London by T.H. Lacy, and later by S. French, Ltd.

Based on Robertson's own short story, "The Poor Rate Unfolds a Tale" (1866), the play was first performed on 6 April 1867 at the Prince of Wales' Theatre, London. The text published, with Robertson's Society, by D. C. Heath & Co., in 1905.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1874: Performed in the Mutual Hall on 16 and 17 February by Disney Roebuck and his company, with The Lottery Ticket (Beazley). The cast featured Roebuck himself, and included company members Fanny Enson, E. Palmer, John Brougham, and Bessie Cranston, as well as two local amateurs - one being Seymour Dallas.

1874: Performed as The Steeple Chase in the Athenaeum Hall on 21 April by Disney Roebuck and his company, with Caste (Robertson) and a "Jockey Dance" performed by Maggie Duggan.

Sources

Facsimile version of the Samuel French text, Hathi Trust Digital Library[1]

F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp. 307, 311-316, 324, 332, 338, 342-343, 365, 369, 400, 434-280.

Go to ESAT Bibliography