2-888-004 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "La Tarantula; or, The Spider King", [Adelphi Theatre, London], 1850. '...The piece opens with a scene, representing the Realm of Reptiles, in which Spiderion, the King of the Spiders, and other unearthly objects, are brought into notice, so as to constitute a Monster Meeting, which is terminated in a skilful manner by its transformation into a cloud. In a subsequent scene the height of the ridiculous is attained in a "coaching incident," in which a car is introduced, drawn by horses made of boys, two to each horse. Luigi (Miss Woolgar) is the victim of the tarantula, receiving what is supposed to be a fatal bite; and, on the strength of this belief, Luigi's betrothed, Loretta (Madame Celeste) is affianced to Dr. Omeopatico (Mr. Wright), but Luigi's recovery slightly deranges this secondary arrangement, and restores the status quo'. [Presented by Mr. Albert Smith]. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.