An amusing old card, which has to do with canals only in the broadest sense, but may raise a smile nevertheless. I collect old theatrical cards too and this one was a surprise find in a box of junk. The Bargeman's Derby was apparently a pre-WWI comedy, set amongst canal folk; note the elaborately painted backdrop with wide lock and lock-keeper's cottage, and the detail of the cabin sides on the boat mock-up.

I tried to research the two actors mentioned and came up with brief entries in the Who's Who of the Theatre: John Humphries, actor, died 28 September 1927, aged 63 . . . Leedham Bantock, dramatic author, formerly actor, died 15 October, 1928, aged 58.

Not a healthy occupation, it seems.