In 2023, Britannic Auctions sold a rare March 1837 playbill featuring Charles Dickens’ The Strange Gentleman and the first-ever stage appearance of Mr. Pickwick by Boz. The playbill, a fragile piece of ephemera, was sold for $2,400. It offers a look at the early theatrical adaptations of Dickens’ work and showcases his growing influence during the Victorian era.
The playbill advertises a performance at the St. James Theatre, featuring Mr. Harley in the role of Mr. Pickwick, and notes that Dickens, writing under his pseudonym “Boz,” edited the character's monologue. The evening also included Dickens’ original one-act comic burletta Is She His Wife? Or, Something Singular!.
What makes this item particularly valuable is its rarity. Playbills were printed as ephemeral pieces—meant to advertise performances, serve their purpose, and be discarded. Very few have survived from this era, and finding one in such good condition with a direct connection to Charles Dickens makes it highly desirable for collectors of literary and theatrical history.
Mr. Pickwick: From The Pickwick Papers to the Stage
The character of Mr. Pickwick first appeared in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, serialized between 1836 and 1837. As one of Dickens’ most enduring and beloved characters, Mr. Pickwick quickly captured the public’s imagination. His debut on stage in The Strange Gentleman marked the start of Dickens’ influence on both literature and theatre. Over the years, Mr. Pickwick appeared in various theatrical adaptations, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of Dickensian storytelling.
Values of Dickens Playbills Sold at Auction
The March 1837 playbill sold by Britannic Auctions stands apart because it includes the first stage appearance of Mr. Pickwick by Boz, one of Dickens’ most iconic characters. Its connection to Dickens’ early career, combined with its rarity as a piece of ephemera, makes it an extraordinary find for collectors.
Playbills like this one are very rare due to their ephemeral nature. Printed for short-term use, they were not intended to be preserved. As a result, surviving examples from the 19th century are prized for their scarcity. Here are some notable examples of similar Dickens playbills sold at auction:
- 1837 Playbill for The Strange Gentleman - Sold in 2018 for GBP 2,250, approximately $2,950 USD. This item featured Mr. Pickwick’s first theatrical appearance, printed on both sides with minor wear. Despite its condition, it achieved a high price due to its rarity and historical importance.
- 1844 Martin Chuzzlewit Playbill - Sold in 2024 by Ahlers & Ogletree for $1,000 USD. This playbill, housed in a red folder with a gilded title, highlights Dickens’ continued impact on theatre even later in his career.
- 1838 Playbill for Is She His Wife? by Charles Dickens - Sold in 2018 by Forum Auctions for GBP 687.50, approximately $900 USD. This playbill advertised performances of Dickens’ one-act burletta alongside other productions, offering collectors a unique piece of Dickensian theatre history.
Discover Rare Antique Ephemera and Theatrical Collectibles
At Britannic Auctions, we specialize in rare and historical books and ephemera like this Charles Dickens playbill. Whether you’re looking to consign your own literary treasures or sign up for auction alerts to discover similar items, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a free auction estimate or join our email list to stay informed about upcoming sales.
