The Queen's Shilling

The Queen's Shilling is a a comedy in three acts by J.W. Godfrey ()[].

The original text

The title refers to the practice known as the "King's shilling" (or the "Queen's shilling" in the case of a Queen on the throne)[1], of a payment of one shilling given to recruits to the Armed forces of the United Kingdom in the 18th and 19th centuries, although the practice dates back to the end of the English Civil War. To "take the King's shilling" was to agree to serve as a soldier or sailor in the Royal Navy or the British Army. It is closely related to the act of impressment. The practice officially stopped in 1879, although the term is still used informally.

The play itself adapted from "Le Fills de Famille," by J.W. Godfrey.

Kendal (under the direction of Mr. Daniel Frohman) and their own company. "[[The Queen's Shilling," a comedy in three acts, adapted from "Le Fills de Famille," by J.W. Godfrey. The orchestra under the direction of A.W. Schroeder. ‎1889

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

1886: Performed by Madame Pearmain and her company as part of a short season of eleven plays put in the Theatre Royal, Cape Town, from 22 November onwards.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_shilling

https://educalingo.com/en/dic-en/queens-shilling

D.C. Boonzaier, 1923. "My playgoing days – 30 years in the history of the Cape Town stage", in SA Review, 9 March and 24 August 1932. (Reprinted in Bosman 1980: pp. 374-439.)

F.C.L. Bosman. 1980. Drama en Toneel in Suid-Afrika, Deel II, 1856-1912. Pretoria: J.L. van Schaik: p.383

Go to ESAT Bibliography