2-913-519 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sadler's Wells - Scene from "Harlequin and the House that Jack Built in 1851", 1850. London stage production: '...a ludicrous scene in the opening...The pantomime here is a sort of piece de circonstance touching the forthcoming Exhibition of 1851, with the apropos title of "Harlequin and the House that Jack built in 1851; or, the Genie of the Ring and Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp". The enchanted workshop of Jack-of-all-trades opens the drama; who announces to his workpeople that he means to build a house of industrial exhibition. Invention ultimately intrudes, on the plea that Jack's exhibition cannot take place till May, whilst Lee's comes off on this present Boxing Night. The transformations accordingly commence, and the pantomime business proceeds with much spirit'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.