Performing Arts

The history of the theatre is a subject that has fascinated people for centuries, unsurprisingly perhaps given the importance dramatic entertainment plays in most of our lives. From the Ancient Greek Tragedies and Comedies by Phrynichus, Aeschylus and Sophocles to the 'kitchen-sink' realism of Britain's Angry Young Men, via the European Commedia dell'Arte and the famous playwrights of the Elizabethan era, Performing Arts has consistently applied a fascinating mirror to the evolving human condition and all its strengths and frailties.

Costume & Set Designs

Alongside rare books relating to the Performing Arts, our specialist auctions also feature original costume and set designs for the theatre, ballet and opera, including important designs by artists such as Alexandre Benois and Cecil Beaton. These auctions also focus on signed and autograph material, including photographs and rare first editions signed by the great ballet dancers, such as Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev and Nijinsky, as well as items signed by important actors from the stage and screen.

Magic & Conjuring

The Performing Arts team at Forum Auctions have also enjoyed overseeing the sale of several important private collections relating to the art of magic & conjuring over the years. These have included rare antiquarian books, broadsides, pamphlets, props and modern first editions signed by the relevant practitioners.