Charlotte Cushman [1816-1876] and her sister Susan [1822-1859] were born in Boston, descended from Mayflower pilgrims. After initially starting out as a singer, Charlotte was encouraged to become an actress, soon making a name for herself, notably in the role of Lady Macbeth. Throughout her life, she was involved in romantic relationships with several women, most notably the journalist Matilda Hays, with whom she set up home. Charlotte's sister, Susan, also became an actress, though generally considered not to be as talented as Charlotte. They often played together, Charlotte taking male roles opposite Susan's female roles. Romeo and Juliet, with Charlotte playing Romeo and Susan playing Juliet, was one of their most successful ventures. Charlotte semi-retired from the stage in 1852 and went to live in Rome with Hays. There, they formed part of an expatriate, lesbian circle of artists, whose romantic lives often proved volatile, and, occasionally, violent, as when Hays became jealous of Charlotte's relationship with the sculptress, Emma Stebbins. In the mid-1850s, Charlotte returned to the stage, reprising some of her most famous roles, including Romeo, sometimes with her sister, sometimes with Ada Swanborough, as evidenced by the playbills offered here. This small archive consists of three playbills, bifolia dating from 1845/46, and a fourth from 1855. One is for a performance at the Leeds Theatre during Cushman's tour of the provinces. One of the larger playbills is split to the central fold, but the general condition is good with some creases and minor edgewear. Also included is a print showing Charlotte as Romeo to her sister's Juliet. A newspaper cutting records Charlotte's death in 1859. A small, interesting archive recalling a woman who was one of the most prominent gay figures of her day.