Here is the continuation of the illustrations from backstage of a French theatre in 1866. Again, it’s all in French, but the scenes are recognizable to anyone working in theatre.

The staff, big and small things, a scenic study by Bertall (part 2)

Ooh, here we have people flying and disappearing down traps. And that guy really likes the leg on that chorus girl.

Uh oh, the prompter has fallen asleep!

This looks like one of those “and give up show biz?” moments.

And finally, some costume and wardrobe pictures.

Bertall. “L’envers Du Théatre.” L’illustration: Journal Universel, vol 48. 1866: 204.Google Books. Web. 26 July 2016. <https://books.google.com/books?id=-rRLAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA204#v=onepage&q&f=true>.

I came across the following wonderful illustrations of backstage theatre from 1866. It’s all in French. I thought I could try translating it on my own, but no luck, so here it is in its untranslated glory. If any of my readers know French and would love to take a crack at it, let me know!

The staff, big and small things, a scenic study by Bertall.

The next few illustrations show some manual sound effects and props.

Bertall. “L’envers Du Théatre.” L’illustration: Journal Universel, vol 48. 1866: 204.Google Books. Web. 26 July 2016. <https://books.google.com/books?id=-rRLAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA204#v=onepage&q&f=true>.