Touring theatre companies appeared at Machynlleth Town Hall in the 1890s. In this letter, Cymro apHugh, the director of the Diamond Star Dramatic Combination Co., applies to book the hall for one of the 'most successful plays of the century':

Dear Sir

Can you book the above P.O.C. [Power of Conscience] at your hall on sharing terms or certainty. I visited the town on 4th April 1894 and had a good house. I forgot whether I played "Divorced" or above [Power of Conscience]. I should also like you to share with me in a variety enterprise later on, all my shows, as you know, are good ones, and very attractive and there is money in them all.

An early reply will oblige.

Yours faithfully

Cymro apHugh

PS All kind of special printing by all the pictoral printers extant. Also letterpress.

Another company, La Comedie Anglaise Company, from Spalding, Lincs, wrote this enquiry, hoping to perform the play The Sorrows of Satan:

Sir

What vacant dates can you offer me in March & April? What Co's have you had lately, did they do well, and what have you now booked? Have you had "Sorrows of Satan" yet? Does Lent affect business much? Your reply by return will oblige.

Yours truly

W L Dobell