Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite!
So this is rather fine. A facsimile version of the playbill poster that inspired John Lennon to write Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite! from Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, printed by the lovely folks at New North Press, with wood engravings by Andy English.
Here are the lyrics:
For the benefit of Mr. Kite
There will be a show tonight on trampoline
The Hendersons will all be there
Late of Pablo Fanques' fair, what a scene.
Over men and horses hoops and garters
Lastly through a hogshead of real fire
In this way Mr. K will challenge the world.
The celebrated Mr. K
Performs his feats on Saturday at Bishopsgate.
The Hendersons will dance and sing
As Mr. Kite flies through the ring, don't be late.
Messrs K. and H. assure the public
Their production will be second to none.
And of course Henry the Horse dances the waltz.
The band begins at ten to six
When Mr. K performs his tricks without a sound,
And Mr. H will demonstrate
Ten somersets he'll undertake on solid ground.
Having been some days in preparation
A splendid time is guaranteed for all
And tonight Mr. Kite is topping the bill.
Lovely stuff.