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Description
In this programme, Edward Hayward, BBC member of the Course Team, analyses the significance of Bartholomew Fair, the most important in 17th and 16th century London and the second greatest fair in E...ngland during those centuries - partly for its economic importance but much more for its rols as a centre for the dissemination of information, and news and ideas, and a centre for popular culture and entertainment. He also considers its role in the public, life of the City of London. The programme also attempts to demonstrate the use of drama as an historical source. Ben Jonson's play "Bartholomew Fair" had a close connection with the Fair itself through several centuries, and excerpts are used demonstrate aspects of the Fair's life. The dramatic excerpts are played by Davilia David, Julian Curry and Dudley Sutton.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: A322, English urban history 1500-1780
Item code: A322; 06
First transmission date: 19-07-1977
Published: 1977
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:10
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Producer: Nancy Thomas
Contributors: Julian Curry; Davilia David; Edward Hayward
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Ballad; Punch and Judy; Theatre
Footage description: The opening shot is of Rowlandson's painting of Bartholomew Fair. An extract from Ben Jonson's play Bartholomew Fair is performed. The actors are Davilia David, who plays Ursula, Dudley Sutton who plays Underworld, and Julian Curry, who plays Establishment. The action concerns the wide range of petty criminal activities that take place at the Fair. In the studio, Edward Hayward comments on the use of literary material by the historian. He provides both literary and historical background for Jonson's play and traces the development of the Fair from 1550 to l650 over an animated plan and stills of the Cloth Fair area as it is today. Hayward explains the main theme of Jonson's play - the conflict between the pleasurable excesses of the fair and the moral opposition of the Establishment - and a still shows a late eighteenth century poster advertising the fair. A short extract from Jonson's play is performed. Hayward describes further the opposition that developed to the fair on moral grounds, using a leaflet from the 1830s as an example. A painting of 1728 is described as the earliest representation of the fair, and its details are examined. Hayward goes on to describe the popularity of theatre at fairs. Hayward describes the patent theatres and puppet theatres that thrives in the fairs. Still of "Mr. Jobson's" poster advertising a performance. In the studio Hayward shows us a turn up toy from the 1770s, and comments on the great popularity of puppets. An extract from Jonson's Bartholomew Fair shows Establishment and Underworld discussing a puppet performance at the fair. The programme ends with Hayward comments on the popularity Jonson's play enjoyed at such fairs.
Master spool number: 6HT/72308
Production number: 00525_3268
Videofinder number: 3326
Available to public: no