Story: Theatre companies and producers

Poster advertising Mrs W. H. Foley, 1858

Poster advertising Mrs W. H. Foley, 1858

Although her first name is now unknown, Mrs W. H. Foley, the wife of US-born circus proprietor William Foley, was a star of New Zealand theatre from 1855 to 1867. Her husband imported a small group of Sydney professional actors to perform with her, and built a theatre for them in Auckland. This 1858 poster, printed on calico, announces one of her performances in Lyttelton. The extra emphasis given to her name wherever it appears on the poster indicates her fame and audience-drawing power.

Using this item

Canterbury Museum, Canterbury Pilgrims and Early Settlers' Association Collection
Reference: 1949.148.8

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Theatre companies and producers - Early theatre companies', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/43392/poster-advertising-mrs-w-h-foley-1858 (accessed 24 March 2023)

Story by Mark Derby, published 22 Oct 2014