KERRY WREN BOYS. Marlebone Theatre Handbill for the Play ‘Erin Go Brath or the Wren Boys of Kerry.’

Irish Scenery! Irish Homes. Irish Life. Irish Songs. Irish Dances. See the exciting sensation effects at the Old Canal Bridge. £500 Reward. “Whereas, on St. Stephen’s Day last, Mr. John Bryanson left his Farm and has not since been heard of. It is feared he has met with an untimely death at the hands of some secret enemy. Whoever can give information as regards his murderer or murders, so that they may be arrested shall receive the above award from Richard Sheaone of His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace for Ireland. January 20th, 1820.” Illustrated handbill with a sketch of a canal. Small tear at fold, with minor loss in the letter ‘A’ of Bragh. 287 x 145mm. In very good condition. Rare.
‘Erin go Brath or the Wren Boys of Kerry’ was performed at Marlebone Theatre on Saturday August 7th, Monday 9th, 1875, and during the week. The story is set in Ireland during the Agrarian Struggle. The landlord Bryanson, an old man, is murdered and his body consigned to the waters of the canal. Seán O’Mahoney, the ‘Wren Boy’, in desperation betrays Harpy Doyle. Harpy is arrested and bitterly curses the informer.

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