The Holdens
Subtitle: monarchs of the marionette theatre
By: John McCormick
Publisher: Society for Theatre Research
Published: 2018
Place of publication: London
Language: eng
Number of pages: 184
ISBN-13: 9780854300839
Copyright date: 2018
Subjects: Marionettes; History; Puppet theater
Description: The Holden family were the most celebrated English marionette performers of the nineteenth century.00The trajectory of the Holdens provides a vivid example of developments in entertainment across the century. Having begun on the fairgrounds, they moved on to large halls, theatres and music halls. At the height of their popularity, when they had two main companies in operation, the Holdens were even better known abroad than at home. Their name was almost synonymous with puppetry, and they were credited with every innovation in marionette theatre. Then, with the advent of cinema, their business suffered a rapid decline.00Based on extensive archival research and lavishly illustrated with photographs, sketches, diagrams, playbills and posters, The Holdens: Monarchs of the Marionette Theatre explains why the Holden shows had such impact and were so frequently imitated.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 172-174) and index.