3-034-673 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "Fanchette," at the Lyceum Theatre: the Shadow Dance, 1871. London stage production. 'The drama of "Fanchette," now illustrated by the talents of Miss Isabel Bateman, is likely to become popular with the habitues of the Lyceum. That the story is so simple is decidedly in its favour. The scene which we have selected for illustration is not altogether new, but had, previously to the story of Fanchette, formed an incident in more than one opera and pastoral play; and it is eminently pleasing. The same remark may be made on the entire drama, for the argument of it is familiar enough, and has been effectively dramatised in such comedies as "The Rough Diamond" and "Good for Nothing." It will, however, bear repetition in many shapes, and in "Fanchette" is associated with a fairy or supernatural element which invests it with a certain will or romantic interest. Miss Bateman manages the dance with her own shadow in the moonlight adroitly, and manifests in it both grace and feeling. The sentiment of the situation is, indeed, very touching'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.