This subseries contains drafts or other surviving evidence of some of Peter Shaffer's early works, such as photographs or a contract. Represented are the radio play 'Alexander the Corrector,' the mysteries The Woman in the Wardrobe, How Doth the Little Crocodile? and Before and After, and the screenplays 'Prodigal Father,' 'The Salt Land,' and 'The Balance of Terror.'
Bound typescript draft, with marks in pencil to mark excisions, and a few additions in PS's hand. 'Production copy' written on front free endpaper in PS's hand.
Original cuttings and photomechanical copies of reviews.
Duplicated playscript with emendations in Shaffer's hand, and various pages replacing earlier pages and some scenes missing, with Peter Shaffer's signature at top left of the first page. Pages dated 23 November to 6 December 1963.
The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Director Peter Hall - Discusses the revised playscript of 'Royal Hunt of the Sun', feels the gains are enormous, still has little quibbles concerning the Interpreter and the Indian language in the first scene; has large reservations about the shape of the play, thinks there is a confusion of epic and domestic style, some scenes could be cut, takes too long to prepare for some scenes; the play has grown, but he must push on for the epic structure.
Photographs taken by Angus McBean for the Festival Theatre, most of them with captions identifying the actors: Robert Stephens, Colin Blakely, Rod Beacham, Peter Cellier, Lewis Fiander, Mike Gambon, Roy Holder, Robert Lang, Gerald McNally, Dan Meaden, James Mellor, Christopher Timothy, and Michael Turner.
Programme from the Chichester Festival Theatre production featuring Derek Jacobi, Louise Purnell, and Maggie Smith; a programme with cast list from the National Theatre in which 'Black Comedy' was paired with 'Miss Julie' with revisions in Shaffer's hand and featuring the same actors; a programme from the National Theatre in which 'Black Comedy' was paired with 'A Bond Honoured.'
The National Theatre - Ken [?] tells him the typed script might reach him by the end of the week, is 'quite peaky with hunger for it' as it has been talked about for so long; has been asking colleagues about their opinion of a new Shaffer play, at the moment Paul Scofield, who won't answer until he has more information.
Apologises for not answering; enjoyed reading 'The Syllabub Saloon' but has previous plans and so cannot accept the part.
Typescript heavily revised by Shaffer in two folders labeled "Salieri Act I" and "Salieri Act 2."
He misses Peter, and describes his experience of heat as a tactile experience and as close as he'll get to communion; wonders if most Catholic countries are hot and if the weather explains Scottish Presbyterianism; discusses the effects of budget restrictions, the need to define mental illness and ethical guidelines for behavior modification treatments; discusses 'No Man's Land', admires John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson; Elizabeth [Cavendish?] is back and rested, and he deems regular breaks necessary for her; reacts to Peter's story of a group therapy session.
c/o 11 Cranley Gardens, Flat 7, London - Photocopy of a thank you note for a weekend written in the form of a review of a play.
Programme for 'Mozart' with Irene Bordoni in the title role, book and lyrics by Sacha Guitry.
