Theatres and Advertising

Theatre Stars used in Advertising

As the major popular celebrities of their time, theatre stars were often used in advertising to endorse products. A few examples of this, taken from various contemporary publications, are presented on this page. Click on the link to view the ad.

Lily Elsie 1913 advertising Phosferine, recommended for 'brain fag'.
Louie Pounds 1923 advertising her own boutique, 'keeping in intimate touch with Paris designers'.

Other Advertising

Most Theatre programmes of the era consisted of little more than a cast list and a whole lot of advertisements. Here are some examples of advertising from theatre programmes, particularly those for Theatre related goods and services.

Outfits 1907 Elite Ladies Dress Co - A Lady always needs a new outfit for an evening at the Theatre. Gowns from as little as five guineas!
1913 Madame Dowding - To show off that new gown, she also needs a good corset for that hourglass figure. Come to Madame Dowding, corset for obesity a specialty!
Tickets 1907 Keith, Prowse - The largest theatre ticket dealers in the World. Wire, phone or call. What, no website?
Transport 1907 Motor Jobmasters - The well-bred Theatre patron should always arrive in style. Private cars, there and back for one guinea!
1904 Shaftesbury Livery - Have your own horse drawn carriage? Bully for you, but you need somewhere to leave it. Within easy access of all principal places of entertainment!
Dining 1909 Pinoli's - For a full dinner before the show or a light supper afterwards. Special Parisian Dinners 2s, suppers only 1s 6d.
1907 Hacketts - Dinners before the show 3s and 5s, light suppers after 2s 6d. A little more upmarket than Pinoli's and all meals served while the orchestra plays!
1913 Coventry Restaurant - Table de Hote Dinners and Light Theatre Suppers! Same prices as Hacketts, different orchestra.
Liquid
Refreshment
1907 Beers and Ales - For the hoi poloi. Bass'es Ales and Stout, on draught in the pits and gallery! Or, for the slightly more discerning, try Jacobs Lager Beer, on sale at all bars.
1909 Spirits - For the gentry. Powncebys 10 year old pure malt whisky, mmm smooth! Coates Plymouth Gin, what else after Pirates of Penzance? Macholl Licquers and Cognacs.
1909 Soft Drinks - A selection of bottled waters. Idris, Table Water by Royal Warrant. And of course 'Perrier', did you think it was a new phenomenon?

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