MARIE EFFIE (LADY BANCROFT) WILTON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 287898

LADY BANCROFT (MARIE EFFIE WILTON)
She reports her very favorable impression of an aspiring young actress, and laments her own ailments.
Autograph Letter signed: "M. E. Bancroft", 4 pages (integral leaf) 4½x7. 18 Berkeley Square (London), no date. To "Dear Dr. Chapwell", in full: "I saw Miss Fogerty yesterday & was much impressed by her charming manner. I should say she certainly has talent although of course I had but a short conversation with her. She told me her father is opposed to her going on the stage which is uncomfortable to know, but I advised her to go to Richd Sterling, who would soon discover whether she has a special talent and would advise her for the best I am sure. I hope, if she is a born actress, that she will soon have an opportunity of proving it to the public. She is a pretty, intelligent & bright girl & I was most agreeably impressed by her. I cannot Alas get hold of the pains though illness has left my limbs seem as though they belonged to somebody else. I sometimes wish they did! I can neither sleep, stand nor walk in comfort. With kind regards believe me sincerely yours". Marie Effie Wilton, Lady Bancroft (1840-1921) made her London stage debut in 1856, initially playing boys' roles. In 1865 she became stage manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre. When she married actor Sir Squire Bancroft two years later, they became co-managers, later moving to the Haymarket Theatre. While continuing to act, the Bancrofts introduced important theatrical innovations: furnished stage sets, more comfortable theatres appealing to affluent audiences, and broad discretion to play directors. They pioneered what became known as the "drawing room comedy." She wrote a novel, and co-authored two volumes of memoirs with her husband. Toned and lightly creased. Pencil note (unknown hand) at top left corner. Mounting residue on verso. Multiple mailing folds. Otherwise, fine condition.