Add MS 81526

John Gielgud Archive. Album of ephemera; 1922–1925. Includes programme for Gielgud’s first public stage appearance in Henry V, with his annotations; his letter of acceptance into RADA, and his graduation diploma, dated 17 December 1923; and materials relating to As you like it; Barley, honey and wine, by Naomi Mitchison; The wheel, by J. B. Fagan; The insect play, by the Capek brothers (including a watercolour of Gielgud in costume and a decorated programme signed by members of the cast); The masque of Comus (Middle Temple Hall, March 1923); Robert E. Lee (in which he understudied Claude Rains); numerous plays in repertory at the Oxford Playhouse; Romeo and Juliet (Regent Theatre, playing Romeo opposite Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies); and The vortex (Comedy Theatre, 1925) with an insert announcing that 'Owing to the indisposition of Mr Noël Coward the part of 'Nicky Lancaster' will be played by Mr. John Gielgud'.

'A. J. Gielgud 5. May. 1923' in cursive script gilt-stamped in middle of front board; '1' gold-stamped on spine, which is completely detached.