9th Regiment

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The first battalion of the 9th Regiment of the British forces was stationed in Cape Town circa 1866-69, led by a Colonel Ellis. Some commissioned officers and men from the company apparently put on theatrical performances in the Garrison Theatre and a few in the new Theatre Royal (opened in 1860).


The company

The basic company of infantrymen was led "Col.-Sergeant" J. Flynn (manager) and J. Hodge (stage manager). The leading performers were apparently J. Stonely and J. Connors. In May 1867 the management roles were taken over by "Col.-Sergeant" W. Duke (manager) and E. Hartigan (stage manager).

They first performed in the Garrison Theatre, Cape Town, in association with the Le Roy-Duret Company, in 1866, their regimental orchestra, led by Signor Bonicoli, often participating in the events.

In 1867 the company was involved in a Great Promenade Concert, a charity event for the Good Hope Lodge, held in the Good Hope Gardens on 7 February, and two performances of a Benefit Performance for the Somerset Hospital in Cape Town (4 and 5 March), arranged by the officers of the 9th Regiment in the Theatre Royal. This company of officers was led by a Captain Borton, and included Captain Harvey, Mr Wavell, Mr Evans.

After this, the original company took over again, though now appearing in the Theatre Royal as well.

The performances

Sources

F.C.L. Bosman, 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1916. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: pp. 166-7,

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