This subgroup contains a series of 100 programmes for performances staged at the Gaiety Theatre, dating from the very first season at Easter 1908 to the penultimate year of the Gaiety's existence as a theatre. Plays include not only those staged by AEFH's company, but also the productions of visiting companies when the Gaiety players were away and, after July 1917 when the permanent company was disbanded, by the various touring theatrical groups who used the Gaiety as a 'lodging house'. The programmes were clearly amassed by an enthusiastic and frequent theatre-goer, although not every production is represented and fewer programmes from the Gaiety's later years are included. There are a few instances of handwritten notes and newspaper reviews pasted into the programmes, and most of them have been dated on the cover, presumably on the day they were acquired by the collector.
The cover design of the programmes reflects AEFH's enduring interest in mysticism and astrology: each depicts the Gaiety ship (a symbol representing the soul's voyage of self-enlightenment towards perfection) along with the Gaiety's motto: 'Our true intent is all for your delight'. Also incorporated is the hexagram motif (a Sun symbol, representing Glory, Fame and Success), within which is placed the signs of Venus (the planet which in astrology governs Art - in particular Drama, Pleasure and Beauty), Mercury (governing Eloquence, Speech and Writings), and the Moon (representing the People - or audience - Change and Growth).
The programmes provide details of: theatre personnel, cast members and their roles, the producer, the orchestra and music performed, the company responsible for the production, forthcoming productions, ticket and booking prices, and various other details - relating to refreshments, theatre transport and so on. There is also a fair amount of space given over to advertisements.
The programmes form another useful source for the history of the Gaiety. It is possible to trace the careers of the actors and actresses who appeared, as well as changes in the permanent company and the general personnel of the theatre over the years. Changes in Gaiety policy, such as ticket and booking prices, are also reflected, and the deterioration in quality of the programmes during the war years perhaps reflects the theatre's financial difficulties. The advertisements also provide a certain insight into popular consumption and the commercial life of Manchester during these years.