Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb [1] is a play by Henry Fielding (1707-1754) [2].

Translations and adaptations

The play by this title was originally written as an addition to his play The Author's Farce, for production at Haymarket Theatre, London on 24 April 1730.

In 1731 Fielding reworked and expanded the play under the new title The Tragedy of Tragedies, also known as The Tragedy of Tragedies, or The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great. It tells the story of a character who is small in stature and status, yet is granted the hand of a princess in marriage; the infuriated queen and another member of the court subsequently attempt to destroy the marriage. Wikipedia [3]

Performance history in South Africa

1972: CAPAB Drama staged an adaptation of The Tragedy of Tragedies under the title Tom Thumb or The Tragedy of Tragedies in the Nico Malan Theatre. It was directed by Robin Malan, with Denis Bettesworth (Tom Thumb), Arthur Hall (King Arthur), Christopher Prophet (Merlin), Glynn Day (Lord Grizzle), Pietro Nolte/Ronald France (Noodle/Doodle), Elliot Playfair (Foodle), Steve Daitsh/Steve Gurney (Bailiff/Follower), Bill Tanner (Parson), Nerina Ferreira (Queen Dollallolla), Maggie Soboil (The Princess Huncamunca), Roger Dwyer (Glumdalca), Lynn Greenblatt (Cleora), Marion Achber (Mustacha), Gay Morris (Mustora), Simon Swindell (Ghost) and others. Designed by Penny Simpson and original music by Peter Wale.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Tragedies

CAPAB theatre programme, 1972.

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