Daviot, Gordon. Pseud; Josephine Tey. Richard of Bordeaux.

1933. Samuel French. Promotional copy. First Edition, 5th impression that year. Sold at the New Theatre in the foyer. Original belly band. Very Good Condition. Lightly tanned wrappers. Not price clipped. Remarkable in this condition.

A rare collector’s copy of the 1933 Samuel French Acting Edition of Richard of Bordeaux. This copy features the exceptionally scarce original orange promotional belly band stating: "The play of the year at the New Theatre."

The band has been neatly folded inwards and preserved, maintaining its vibrant colour and preventing the typical tearing associated with this fragile ephemera. This play was the definitive theatrical event of 1933, famously launching Sir John Gielgud to superstardom. This edition is a must-have for collectors of Josephine Tey (writing as Gordon Daviot) or 20th-century British theatre history.

The "New Theatre" run referenced on the band featured a "who's who" of British acting royalty:

Richard II: Played by John Gielgud. This was his "breakthrough" role. He also directed the production, which was praised for its minimalist, elegant aesthetic.

Anne of Bohemia: Played by Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies. Her chemistry with Gielgud was a major draw for audiences; she was considered the premier lyrical actress of the day.

Robert de Vere: Played by Francis Lister.

Henry St. John (Bolingbroke): Played by Henry Mollison.

Costumes/Sets: Designed by the famous trio Motley (Elizabeth Montgomery, Margaret Harris, and Sophie Harris). Their innovative designs for this play changed the look of English historical drama forever.

The play was so popular at the New Theatre that it ran for over a year. It was the "Hamilton" of its day—the production everyone had to see—which is why Samuel French added that specific "Play of the Year" band to the scripts being sold in the foyer.