2-791-719 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Miss Clara Webster, 1844. British dancer Clara Vestris Webster died after her dress caught fire as she performed in a 'romantic ballet' at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London. '...a very lamentable accident...during the performance of "The Revolt of the Harem," which has proved fatal to Miss Clara Webster, the dancer. In the second act of the ballet, the ladies of the Harem are discovered bathing, among whom Zulica, the royal slave (Miss Webster), is one. During the scene, the gas placed at the bottom of the stage...caught the light drapery of Miss Webster's dress, and in an instant her whole person was enveloped in flames. This frightful event, taking place on the stage, in sight of the audience, the whole house was in a state of consternation, and screams issued from the ladies in front of the boxes and pit, who were the first to perceive the appalling accident'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.