ARMADALE
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Programme for Miss Gwilt |
Programme for The Gwilty Governess |
Collins wrote a stage adaptation of the novel in 1866 to protect his Dramatic Copyright but it was never produced. He collaborated with Regnier for an intended French version but ultimately staged the play in England as Miss Gwilt. The revised plot had Lydia Gwilt as a more sympathetic character and Dr Downward as the main villain. It was first performed at the Alexandra Theatre, Liverpool, 9 December 1875 and opened in London at the Globe Theatre on 15 April 1876. The part of Mr Darch was played by A. W. Pinero and the title role by Ada Cavendish. She also took the play to New York, opening at Wallack's Theatre on 5 June 1879. [ Cast list ]
Arthur Cecil who played the part of Dr Downward
A parody entitled The Gwilty Governess and the Downey Doctor was staged at The Charing Cross Theatre, London, from 8 July 1876 and subsequently at Brighton in July the same year.
Armadale: A Drama in Three Acts
was 'Published for the Author' in an edition of 25 copies (Smith, Elder, London
1866, 1 vol, 76 pp, pink paper wrappers). Miss
Gwilt: A Drama in Five Acts was never published but 'Printed for performance
at the Theatre only', (1875, 1 vol, 104 pp, paper wrappers with blue spine).
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