page_title: Robert Sidaway
section_title: Theatre
hierarchical_section_title: Robert Sidaway / Theatre
caption_attribution_description: The earliest extant Australian imprint dated Saturday, 30 July 1796 and an artefact associated with the First Fleet. A playbill printed in Sydney on a small wooden screw press and type which came out with the First Fleet. Printed by the first Australian government printer George Hughes. It is advertising three theatrical performances to be held in Sydney and includes the names of actors, other company members (and Hughes) involved in the performances.
context_page_description: Robert Sidaway, a convict of the First Fleet, was transported to Australia for stealing in 1788. Robert is known for being baker for the British Marines of Sydney and opening the first theatre in Sydney in 1796.
context_section_description: In 1796 Sidaway, opened a 120-seat theatre in Bell Row, (now Bligh Street), Sydney. 
  30 July 1796, by permission of His Excellency, John Hunter, the play Jane Shore, (written by the English playwright and poet laureate Nicholas Rowe in 1714), was put on for the benefit of J. Butler and W. Bryant. Entry was gained by paying for front boxes 3s.6d. Pit 2s.6d. Gallery 1s., or the equivalent in flour, meat or spirits. By 1800 Sidaway presented Shakespeare and other contemporary English pieces. Sometime in 1800 the theatre was closed as a corrupting influence by the authorities.
caption: An original play bill from Sidaway's theatre, dated 30 July 1796.
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