Add MS 88983/1

Comprises approximately 100 typewritten and handwritten leaves. Includes:

Correspondence between Willy Donaldson (who, Michael White claims, stole his idea for a show solely based on sex) and Kenneth Tynan outlining the ideas for the production of 'Oh! Calcutta!'. Main ideas included a 'small cast' and 'the aim of the show: to be intensely sexy. No crap about art'. Annotated ideas for the production: Cast, Decor, Choreographer, Songs, Music, Film (to be projected onto the stage between live items). Mention of Roman Polanski as possible director and a list of possible writers including John Osbourne, John Arden and Edward Albee. Letters explaining Kenneth Tynan's concerns over the lack of non-English-speaking rights for the play. Reception of ideas for the play by other writers and directors such as Peter Hall. Correspondence with Margaret (Peggy) Ramsay (theatrical agent) concerning action over 'Oh! Calcutta!' due to the considerable hardening up of public and political opinion vis à vis censorship. Correspondence with John Bassett (publisher) concerning Samuel Beckett's unhappiness regarding his mime, 'Breath', resulting in the play being left out of the London production. Information about the Paris production of 'Oh! Calcutta!'. Correspondence with Clovis Trouille, requesting use of his painting in the advertising for the play. Financial documents including an unsigned agreement from Memorial Enterprises Ltd concerning a loan of £5000. Correspondence concerning the use of Ionesco's 'Le Duel' in 'Oh! Calcutta!' (April 1974), letters from Eric Glass (Ionesco's agent) marking the use of the sketch in the production until 1976. Correspondence with various lawyers and agents regarding payments, royalties, legal contracts and agreements. Legal documents explaining the move from Royalty Theatre to Duchess Theatre and the changes made to sketches after this move.