Playbill advertising Charlotte Cushman as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet

American actress Charlotte Cushman performed at the Theatre Royal Bristol regularly between 1845 and 1856, usually in male roles. Known for her masculine appearance and deep voice, Charlotte began performing male parts early in her career, often playing Romeo opposite her sister Susan. This playbill shows that the pair appeared at the Theatre Royal Bristol in 1846.

Two years later Charlotte returned, again as Romeo but this time with her partner Matilda Hayes as Juliet.

This item was digitised by Bristol Archives as part of Bristol Old Vic’s “Protecting and Sharing the Heritage of Britain’s Oldest Theatre ” project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.