Shakespeare Fans

Brisbane Shakespeare Society, in costume for Henry the Fifth, 1918

This is the Brisbane Shakespeare Society, dressed up for a production of Henry V at the Exhibition Building on 23 April 1918.

Queenslanders at the time seemed to be equal fans of Shakespeare and Edward, the Prince of Wales.

Welcome sweet prince, Shakespeare Ball and Pageant in Brisbane, 30 July 1920

In 1920, to honor a visit by the Prince, they went all out with a Shakespeare Ball and Pageant attended by thousands of people.

Midsummer Night's Dream

The fan shaped programme listed menu and table placings for the guests, who portrayed characters from the plays, along with suitable Shakespearean quotes.

Shakespeare Ball at the Queensland Primary Producers' Co-operative Agency Buildings

Visit the John Oxley Library at State Library of Queensland to see the programme in the flesh.