Curtain goesup on mysterygift of hospice shop posters

Paul Whitehouse

THEY were never designed to survive beyond the life of the shows they publicised, but a collection of posters advertising a series of performances at one of Yorkshire’s best known theatres has just surfaced.

The source of the posters is likely to remain a mystery, because they were donated anonymously to a hospice charity shop, but they provide an insight into Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in an era where stars like the city’s own Marti Caine were guaranteed to pull in large crowds.

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Because the value of the collection of more than 40 posters is so uncertain, St Luke’s Hospice has kept them since they were handed over in a cardboard box during the 1990s.

But it is hoped the re-opening of the theatre this spring, following a two-year restoration project, will generate more public interest and attract buyers, even if it means the collection being broken up.

The hoard, which includes posters for classics including Shakespeare’s works through to pantomimes with local performers including Bobby Knutt, are likely to have wide appeal, from locals seeking a slice of nostalgia through to serious theatre experts wanting to add to their collection.

St Luke’s relies on donations and its second hand bookstall is a valuable part of its fund-raising. The posters were offered alongside donations of books, and Julia Hitchens, who runs the service, said it was likely they had belonged to someone who worked at the theatre or had connections there.

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“We have been waiting for an opportunity and as soon as I realised the Crucible was going to be re-opened I realised it was what I had been waiting for.

“The posters really are lovely. The one for The Importance of Being Earnest is a huge poster, covered with old Edwardian prints of handbags,” she said.

“They have been folded, so they may need some restoration, but they really are a unique collection.

“For anybody who is interested in the story of the Crucible and its history this is a real treasure trove of items,” she said.

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Anyone with an interest in the posters is invited to call 0114 236 9911 to make an initial bid.

A hospice spokesman said: “At this stage, we are not sure whether the posters will be sold separately or as one lot, but we would be pleased to talk to anyone who has an interest in one or more of them.

“There is certain to be local interest because the Crucible is a well-loved theatre and some of these were particularly memorable shows.

“One thing which makes the collection interesting is that it covers one tight period of around five years

“That would suggest they were acquire by someone who had close connections with the theatre but it is unlikely we will ever know exactly how or why the came to be saved.”