Lilly Clay's Gaiety Company

I found this newspaper clipping from July 1886 last night and it was just too much fun not to share!

The review reads:
“The Lilly Clay Gaiety Company gave their initial performance at the academy last night to a large and characteristic audience. But to the credit of Halifax, it should be noted that only four women were seen in the hall; and one of these got out before the performance commenced, and another left in disgust during the first act. Adamless Eden is a combination of low comedy interspersed with singing and dancing, and a large assortment of vulgar slang. Some of the singing and dancing was fairly passable - of its kind. Some pretty mean plays have been given in Halifax during the past few years, and this one of the meanest and trashiest of all.”

About the Lilly Clay Gaiety Company:
The Lilly Clay Gaiety Company was a touring burlesque troupe that combined the talents of the London-based Lilly Clay Company, managed by M.B. Leavitt, with the Gaiety Burlesque Company. Their 1884–1885 North American tour followed successful runs in London and Paris. Their production An “Adamless Eden” featured an entirely female cast and crew, with comedians, vocalists, musicians, directors, ushers, and more. Marketed as a show of “Regal Splendor and Magnificence,” it was a bold and vibrant spectacle that highlighted the talents of English and American women artists - much to the shock of Victorian Halifax!

Clipping from the Halifax Herald Friday July 16th, 1886