UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES

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THE

Caspian

Btcttonatp;
OR,

DRAMATIC BIOGRAPHY
OF THE

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY;
Containing Sketches of

THE

LIVES, PRODUCTIONS, h.
OF ALL THE

PRINCIPAL MANAGERS, DRAMATISTS, COMPOSERS, COMMENTATORS, ACTORS, AND ACTRESSES,

,

OF

Cl)e Ontteti fitfugtrom;

Interspersed with
*
,

SEVERAL ORIGINAL ANECDOTE*;

AND FORMING A CONCISE
.

HISTORY
"

of the

ENGLISH STAGE,
POPE.
,

Unbiassed, or by favor, or by spite."

LONDON:
PRINTED BY
J.

CUNDEE,

Ivy-Lane,

FOR
W.

T.

HURST, PATERNOSTER-RO\V

Porter, and J. Archer, Dublin; and may be had ot C. and all the Booksellers,

ChappeU

"Pali'

Mj;i

1802.

+J***

ADVERTISEMENT.

JL

HE

Reader

is

most respectfully informed, that in the follow-

ing Alphabetical Collection of

Dramatic Biography
tlie

of the

Eighteenth Century, names

formers,

(particularly of

inferior peras

now

living)

are

purposely

omitted,

unworthy
them

of notice, especially as nothing could with justice be said of

to

interest the

public,

or redound to their

own advantage.

Nor, indeed, could the bare mention of such names, which would

have occupied too

much space

in

these

our limited pages, and

which might seldom, or never, be looked for, be of any utility either to themselves or the public; wherever it was necessary
to

show that some persons

have been,

or are, this plan has

to their

been adopted; but the most insignificant are, in justice

demerits,

consigned

to

oblivion.

Others may, probably,

have

beat omitted, not through the want of disrespect, but of infor-

mation or reco'lection.

It

may

also be necessary

to

add, that

a few names, particularly of the deceased,

though not to be met

with according

to the

alphabetical

standing, mentioned in the course of this work, which

arrangement, are, notwithis intended

more for a Pocket Remembrancer of the most principal Managers, Dramatists, <$c. of all the theatres of the

United Kingdom,
than

ADVERTISEMENT.
than a worthless record of

Family Anecdote and Green-

Room Scandal.
Several

world, (particularly Mrs.

new arrangements having taken place in the theatrical Billington's engagement at both
former part of
this

the winter theatres, $i.-) since the

work was

committed
satisfied,

to the press, the

reader, whose curiosity

may

not be fully
is

or

who cannot immediately find whatever name

to

want-

ed,

is

requested

consult the

Addenda.

Dramatic Bwgrapfjp.

AB
*
A B1NGTON.
(Mrs.) maiden name Barton, actress, maue her first
in

BA
ry

and Woodward,

who had opened

a theatre in

appearance on the stage

1752, at

the Haymarket Theatre, which was then open by permission of the Lord Chamberlain, under the management
of

TheophiUs Cibber.

Her

success,

though scarcely seventeen years of age, was adequate to the most sanguine expectations of her friends. She was afterwards engaged for the Bath 'theatre, which was dien under the direction of Mr. King, now of Drury lane. She performed next at Richmond, where she was seen by Mr. Lacey, one of the patentees of Old Druiy, who immediately engaged her
lor
theatre. Her first character here was Lad) Pliant (Double Dealer), in which she was received with untliat

Crow Street, Dublin, in Mr. Sheridan's in opposition to Smock-alley. She performed at both theaties in Dublin ; and such was the fame she acquired, that her return to London was courted by Mr. Garrick on terms which dien were considered
extravagant. These proposals were accepted on Mr. Garrick'srerurn from his continental excursion, and her
fiist

character

this

season,

was
to

the

Widow Belmour, (The Way

Keep

Him): from mistime to 1782. she performed Lady fanciful, (Provoked Wife); Araminta, School for Lovers) ; Belinda, (Allinthe Wrong), Jfcc. &c. with ihe greatest approbation. She
(

was the original representative of Lady Alton, (English Merchant ;

Charlotte, (Hypocrite); Miss Rusport, (West Indian); Lady Bab Lardoon, (Maid of the Oaks) ; Koxalana, Sultan ; Lady Teazle, (School tor Scandal) ; and Miss Hoyden. (Trip to
I
"I

bounded applause.

At

this

time she

married Mr. Abington, and deeming her present ituat:on by no means advan.ageous, while the characters she a plied to. were in llie p,*se:si ,n of Mrs. Piiichard, Mrs. Clive and Mrs. Cibber, she engaged on very ronsidesabie tern.>with Messrs. Bar-

Scarborough). A disagreement having taken place between her aud the proprietors of
13

Drurv

AC
she accepted of very Drury Lane from Mr. Harris, and from the season of 1782-3 continued for several years at Covent Garden,
;

AD
ing performed several seasons on the Dublin stage, Mrs. Achmet visited

liberal terms

performing all her favourite characand several new ones, with the In 1786, she pergreatest applause. formed the part of Scrub, in the Beaux
ters,

Stratagem, for her benefit.

an evident attempt
lities

to

This was draw money

;

Shrewsbury and other parts of England, when she was engaged at Covent Garden, an 1 made her first appearance in 1789, in the character of She performed afterwards Juliet. several pa/ts, attempted Sir Harry Wildair for her benefit, and then returned to Ireland. In person she
is

but her friends regretted that her abi-

elegant, in action graceful, but de!

were

so prostituted.

Having

ficient in force
this

quitted the London boards, she performed only occasional 'y on the stage ; but in 1797-8, resumed her
at Covent Garden. Her performance in public, was for benefit of Mr. Pope, 1799, in Lady Racket, (Three Weeks after Marriage); and May 31, she represented Lady Fanciful, at Brannenburgh House, (The Margravine of Anspach's private theatre) ; Lady Brute by the Margravine ; and Be-

situation
last

the

century. He was the eldest son of the Rev. Lancelot Addison, rector of Ambusbury, Wiltshire, where Joseph was He was instructborn, May 1, 1672.

and animation dramatist; elegantand correct writer assisted the stage about the beginning of the

ADDISON, (JOSEPH)

ed

in

terhouse

tracted his

grammar-learning at the Charin London, where he confirst acauaintance with Mr.

linda,

Miss Berkley.

Her youthful

performances gave universal satisfaction ; she then displayed all the graceful ease of the woman of fashion or the capricious airs of the fantastical coquets ; but as fashion delights to vary, her laie attempts could not delineate the modern lady, nor could the flirts of the old school delight as much, as the Jordan coquets of the
day.

ACHMET,
Eg an,
ance

(Mrs.)

maiden name,

actress, made in Smock -alley

first appearTheatre, Dublin,

her

instructed by Mr. White, who keeps an English Academy in Dublin, and received further lessons of improvement from Mr. Lee Lewis i:i a summer tour to Belfast. She then became ihe wife of Mr. Achmet, who had bu It by subscription elegant baths in Dublin, which were much resorted. By an assumed name and dress,

under Mr. Daly's management, about the year 1785, and having played Imoinda, the Grecian Daughter &c. was favourably received, notwithstanding the wretched manner in which these tragedies were then supported. She had been previously
;

He was cipal secretaries of state. also appointed principal secretary to the Earl of Wharton, then Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland ; and during his abode in Dublin, wrote the considerable part of the Tatler, which was published for the benefit of his friend Steele. When he returned to England, he wrote many papers in the
Spectator, his signature being always one of the letters from the Muse Clio. In 1713, he produced his tragedy of " Cato," which ran 35 nights successively, and was only stopped by the indisposition of one of the actors. His comedy of the "Drummer; or, Haunted House," was not known to The Itahe his, till a f ter his death. much the lian operas being then

(afterwards Sir Richard) Steele. He then went to Queens College, Oxford, his parents having designed him for the church, but of which, he gave up all thought when he took his degrees of Batchelor and Master of Arts. In 1695, he procured, in consequence of a poem in praise of King William, a pension of 3001. per annum,and leaving England, resolved to visit every He retiling curious in England. turned in 1701, and lost his pension the succeeding year on the death of However, he was King William. soon after appointed commissioner of to Sir Charles and secretary appeals, Hodges, at that time one of the prin-

he was supposed
but
is

whose

who

to have been a Turk, said to be a native of Ireland, real name was Cairns, and bad been sometime at sea. Hav-

vogue,

AD
vogue, he wrote an English opera " called Rosamond," which was He deeither hissed or neglected. signed also a tragedy on the death of
Socrates, (iueen Anne dying, he was appointed secretary to the lord justices, secretary for the affairs of Ire-

AI
and eternal
decline
his

interest,
visits

oblged him ta
for

the

"

future.

For,

madam, (added
1

charms, and

he) you have have passions."

actor,

A1CKEN, (JAMES)
born

made

in Ireland, and in that his first appearance.

was kingdom

He

then

land, and one of the lords commisHe had heen sevesioners of trade. ral years ln'rra tlv acquainted with the Countess of Warwick, whose son, the then earl, he had trained up in the principles of virtue and religion,

visited Scotland, and soon became the hero of the Edinburgh company, in tragedy

and comedy.

One

Stay-

ley, having been discharged on account of an unmerited demand of an increase of salary, and a party of

and

whom

in 17 16, he married that lady, by he had one daughter. The next year he was appointed princi-

pal secretary of state to his majestyGeorge 1. but his declining state of obliged him to resign that His high employment soon after. chief companions were Steele, BudCol. gell, Philips, Carey, Davenant Butt, with one of whom he always breakfasted, before he was married.
health,

discarded actor's friends having a riot at the theatre, Mr. Aicken appeared to explain the cause of Stayley's dismission. The explanation served only to irritate
this

commenced

these determined critics,

who insisted
:

upon Mr. Aicken's kneeling down

and asking
but, this spirited actor, conscious of having given no real offence, declared he
their

&

pardon

died of an asthma and dropsy at Holland-house, near Kensington, June 17, 1719, and was buried in

He

would never go on his knees except to his God and King! The rioters

drew
tre

Westminster Abbey. The following anecdote, recorded of Mr. Addison, that can be is the best delineation A certain given of his character.
countess unfortunately conceive. 1 a violent pa.-sion for htm ; but Mr. Addison, who frequently visited her husban 1, supposed her several advances to be the mere effect of generous friendship. The lady however,
all

their swords, but happily Mr. Aicken made his escape. The theawas demolished, and the company consequently obliged to separate. Mr. Aicken then \isited London, and soon got an engagement at Drury Lane, and another summer engagement at the Haymarket. A dispute respecting certain dramatic arrangements with Mr. Kemble, wlrich Mr. Aicken conceived to be

confi ling in his secrecy, broke through female decorum, and in a letter

to him, revealed her wishes, lie determined no more to come in her way, and conveyed her an answer to

injurious to himself, was productive of a duel between these gentlemen in The parties met without se1792. conds, but Mr. Bannister's son, attended a.s a common friend. Mr.
reconeiliati,

the following import. That site ha inadvertent!) and without proper regard to her marriage vow, cherishI

Aicken discharged his pistol, and a n was then happily ef-

ed

which, if not suppressed, must end in her ruin. That her lord was a man of the strictest virtue, and while he was treating her with the most tender affection, she was contriving a scheme to blast his honor. That as undesignedly he lu been the unluppj of temptation, she might rest assured that her letter was consigned to the tiames, and the contents should remain a secret to all the world but tliat a regard for bjth her temporal
1

m unwarramable passion,

Kor some fected. has been deprived

through
severe

months the stae

of his assistance,

indisposition.

He

was
i

lately

deputy manager of Drui'y

(F.l
i

Lane.
I

the preceding wise a native

actor, brother of gentleman, and likeIreland, where, in a country town, he made his lirt ap" en the stage in pearance George Barnwell," and thence went to the He left Ireland aDublin Theatre, bout 176-K and soon after got an engagement at Drury Lane, having previouslv married an Irish ladv o! finals % Iy
f

AICKEN,

AN
He acquired confortune. ly siderable reputation at Drury Lane, and afterwards went to Covent Garand
den.
in

not in general been successful, but his prologues and epilogues, which are numerous, are. excellent.

He

York

Street,

his wife,

then opened a hosier's shop but on the death of threw up that business, and
at Liverpool,-

commenced manager
in 1787,

where hemarritd thewidow

of an eminent merchant with a considerable fortune. He is respectable, both 'as a private and public character.

ANSPACH, (Margravine of) formerly Lady Elizabeth Craven, dramatist, daughter of Augustus Earl of Berkeley, was married to William Lord Craven 1767. She translated a French called " The
piece

Sleep

ALL1NGHAM,
stages
tress,

(J.)

dramatist and

actor, i> said to be a native of Ireland, and has played on several provincial

his sister was likewise an ac; and performed lately at Covent Garden, but is since married and He is author retired from the stage.

of

two

farces

" The Wheel

of

Walker," 1778, which was performed at her private theatre, Newbury. She also wrote " The Miniature Picture," a comedy, acted at Newbury, and Drury Lane, 1780 ; and " The Silver Tankard." a musical entertainment, acted at the Haymarket, 1780. During summer, 1782, a play was performed by her young family at his lordship's seat at Newbury, before a very nu-nerous arid splendid audience.
trees

Fortune," performed for a benefit at Covent Garden, 1799, and rescued from oblivion by being repeated at Colman's Theatre, (while the major
part of his company was employed at a faDrury Lane) when it became " Tis all a vourite piece j and

Farce," performed the succeeding season with some, but not equal, applause.
matist, and member of Parliament On for Bewdley, Worcestershire. the death of an elder brother, who was a gunpowder merchant, he unriertook that manufacture, and by his attention established the business. His father having been acquainted with all the dramatists and wits of the day. he wanted no interest to bring

The theatre was made in the Benha.n-House, the formed a canopy, and the darkness and stillness of the night were favourable to the lights and dresses, which were Spanish, and very magnificent. The play was Moliere's " Statue Feast," which she had altered and cut into two acts, having ren-

wood behind

dered Don Juan's character

lainous,

less vil-

ANDREWS, (MILES PETER)

dra-

and the catastrophe more aAfter thisshe left England, greeahle. and to contradict reports which had
been spread during herabsence. published her " Journey through the Crimea to Constantinople, in a series
of Letters, written in the year 1786." The motive of this long and extraor" was dinary Journey, she declared, to let the world see where Lady Craven has been, and where she is to

hi- pieces forward, which are "The " ConElection," interlude, 1774; jurer," farce, acted in 1774, not printed ;" Belphegor, orThe Wishes," acted 1778 ;" Summer Amusements," comic opera, acted 1779, (in this he was joined by Mr. Miles) ; " Fire and Water," comic opera, acted 1780 ; " Dissipation," comedy, acted 1781 ; " The Baron,"farce acted and printed " The Best Bidder," farce, 1781; " 1782 acted ; Reparation," comedy, " Enchantacted and printed 1784 ; ed Castle," acted 178ti ; Better Late than Never," comedy, acted and

found it having been a practice some years past for a Birmingham coin of myself to pass in most of the inns in France, Switzerland, and England, for the wife of my husband
be
for

sometimes supporting in some measure this insolent by which probably I may deception have been seen to behave very imcoronet
;

my arms and

The Mysteries printed 1790; and of the Castle," comic opera, acred and printed 1795. His pieces have

"

This desire to rescue her name and person from the ill effects of misrepresentation, was addressed to her ad-ipted brother and correspondent his serene highness, the Margrave of Brandenbtirgh, Anspach and

propeily."

seemed

Bereith, with to have

whom

her

lady-hip
delightful

formed one of those

AR
delightful attachments distinguished by the name of Platonic Love : and

AN
she,
tuition of Mr. an excellent performer on the and the first regular engagement into which he entered as a public performer, was that of leader of the band at the T. R. Drury Lane, where he distinguished himself for several years. At the age of 18 he " composed the opera of Rosamond."

himself
Festin, violin,

under the

"

"

if I

had possessed," added

the invaluable blessing of having

him for my rw/brother, this carious and unhearJ-of treason to my birth and character, would long since have
been punished in the person who could only countenance the deceit." Though in this work she displayed an enviable share of animal spirits, and mental vivacity, it was greatly destitute of that vtviiia vis animi which alone inspires the bosom of real genius; and though professedly published to " prove where she was to be found," yet in her journey she flew like another Camilla, from place to place with steps so nimble, light, and unimpressive, that it was didicult for the reader to fix her locality. Lord Craven died and his Sept. 27-, 1791, serene highness having abdicated his dominions in favour of the King of
Prussia, and receiving from that monarch a princely revenue, married Elizabeth Dowager Lady Craven, and purclia-ed the seat of the late Lord

His compositions are universally applauded, and he was also particularvocal perly skilful in instructing formers. The degree of Doctor of Music, was conferred on him by the University of Oxford, July 6, 1759. In the 26th year of his age he marri-

ed Miss Cecilia Young, a pupil of Geminiani, and a favourite singer of those times. He died of a spasm on
his lungs,

March 5, 1778. He is author of the following operas, "Artaxerxes,"' 1762 ; witted," 11 .A;

" The Guardian Outand the "Rose," 1778; and is the suppo ed author of others which were Unsuccessful. ARNE, (Miss) actress, was the
daughter of Mr. Michael Arne, who was married to Miss Wright, formerly an actress at Drury Lane. She was designed and instructed by her father for oratorio

Melcombe

for

8,5001.

which

is

now

the Brandenburgh-1 louse, where Margravine still indulges her passion theatricals, and for that P'trpose occasionally employs her The " Prince of Georgia," pen. originally performed here, was acted for Mr. Fawcett's benefit, 1799.
for private

and conceit

singing.

lost her father when very young, and from her filial attention during his tedious illne.-s so impaired her own health as to render her in-

Having

ARNE,

(Dr.

THOMAS AUGUSCovent Garsupposed to No. 155 and

TINE) composer and dramatist, was the son of Mr. Thomas Arne, an upholsterer in King-street,

den, whom Addison is have characterized in 160 of the latler, an 1 brother to Mrs. Cibber the actress. He was designed for the law, but soon quitted the study intended fur him by the father, for one nvire congenial to his taste and dUix>sition. He procured himself a vi ilin.
tor,

capable of singing, she was obliged to confine herself to instrumental but was afterwards, on reteaching covering her voice, placed by her friends unier the care of Mr. l.inley, whose severe indisposition prevented him from giving her necessary instruc;

tions.

With

all

these disadvantages,

but more particularly without even a regular rehearsal, she made her first appearance at Drury Lane, in Polly, (BeggarsOpera) 1795. and met

and unaided by any tutime so consi-

made,

in a short

derable a progress on that instrument, that he was qualified to acquit himand nothing could self in a band
;

exceed the surprise

of

his

father

when, being
he

at a respectable concert, discovered his son flourishing in

the Orchestra as one of the principal performers. Mr. Arne, now placed

with a kind reception. Afterwards she engatred with the Margate manager, for the sake of improving and initiating herself in stage-business. ARNOLD, (Dr. SAMUEL', compter, received his musical education at the chapel royal St. James's, partly under the care of the late Mr. Gat ts, and partly of his successor Dr. Nares. His parents, induced by the proofs he afforded of an early genius, placed

him

AR
age of admission, in the king's chapel. His dawning talents soon began to shine, and on an acquaintance with Mr. Beard, then one of the managers of Covent Garden Theatre, he acquired public fame by composing several favourite He then aspired to oratorio pieces. composition, which he effected with equal success; three of which, "A" bimelech," The Resurrection," and were performed Prodigal Son," during several successive Lents at the Theatres Royal Haymarket and Covent Garden, under his own management and direction. His first enterprise was at she former theatre at playhouse prices, and the encouragement received, induced him to quit the little theatre for a greater, which second speculation was not attended willi equal success. In 1771, he married Miss Napier, daughter of Archibald Napier, Doctor it) Physic, with whom he received a handsome fortune. About the same time, he purchased of Mr. Pinto, Marybonegardens, then a fashionable place, where he erected a stage, and brought out several pleasing burlettas (the music by himself) which were ably supported by Mr. C. Bannister, Mr. Reinhold, Miss Catley, Miss Brown,
(afterwards Mrs Cargill), Miss Ilarpur, (Mrs. Bannister), Mrs. Barthelemon, &c. &c. but on the expiration of the lease, these delightful gardens were let by the proprietors to various

AR
times as a mark of royal approbation. In hopes of furni hing the public with additional entertainment, he joined in improving and enlarging the theatre in the Lyceum. The species of entertainment, originally intended, were concerts, but it is said, that the doctor wished to revive his burlettas, and this being deemed a formidable opposition by the theatrical managers, their united interest prevented him from obtaining leave to open it ; notwithstanding a considerable sum was expended on the In 1796, he alterations of the place.
all

him

at the usual

succeeded the late Dr. Philip Hayes, as conductor of the annual performances at St. Pauls, for the feast of the sons of the clergy. His elder daughter

was

lately

married to Mr. Rose, a

in

gentleman
business.

engaged

mercantile

"

condemned and not printed

" The Shipwreck," 1796. approved ; Irish Legacy," 1797, condemned and not and " The Veteran
printed
;

" Auld Robin Grey," 1794,approved ; Who Pays the Reckoning >." 179.5, " The
;

He dramatist, son of Dr. Arnold. has produced the following afterpieces, (the music by his father)

ARNOLD, (SAMUEL

JAMES

Tar," 1801, approved of for a few Besides dramatic pieces, lie nights.
has written a novel, and occasionally assists diurnal prints. Some few

and converted into dwellingMr. Colman, on becoming houses. manager of Covent Garden, though no judge of music, was convinced of the merit of this composer (now Dr. Arnold) gave him every encouragement and when he purchased Foote's theatre in the Haymarket, engaged the doctor to conduct the mu.sical department, which situation he still (ills. He succeeded Dr. Nares, March 1, 1783, as organist and composer to his
builders,
;

months ago, he commenced portrait painter, and the specimen he produced, evinced such extraordinary
merit, that
it

was

allotted a place at

Somerset House exhibition. Thisgentleman is young, so that notwithstanding the failure of some of his pieces, he may, with further practice, be as able to paint with his pen, as his
pencil.

ARTHUR,

(J.)

actor,

formerly

St. James's. He sub-directors at the grand performances of the commemoration of Handel, at Westminster Abbey, the first of which took

majesty's chapel at

was appointedlone of the

manager of the playhouse at Hath. In 1754, he produced a ballad opera at Covent Garden for his benefit, " The called Luckey Discovery or, Farmer of York," printed in 1758,
;

several years at this theatre, and was esteemed excellent in old men's characters. He died

He performed

place in 1784, and was presented with a medal, which his majesty has permitted the sub-director's to wear at

April 8, 1772.

ASCOUGH,

(CHARLES

WARD)

author of one

EDtragedy" Semiramis

AT
"
a

AT
din) called
or,

Semiramis," 177(5, was on of Or. Francis Ascough, Dean of Bristol, by

sister

ed an opera, "

(the music by Mr. Dib-

A Match

for a

Widow;

of the

first

Lord
in the

Littleton.

He was
had
for

army, and brought up some time a commission in

Battle of Aughrim; or, Fall of Monsieur St. Rudi." actor and ASTON, (ANTHONY] " Love in author of a comedy, called a Hurrv," 1709 ; was son of a gentle-

" The

the guards ; but indisposition compelled him to relinquish his profesHe died, sion, and travel into Italy. Oct. 14, 1779. a native (ROBERT) ASHTON, of Ireland, who produced a play, printed several timesin Dublin, called

Fancy," in which Ryder and Duffey performed. This piece was published in London with the hopes that Mr. Colman would espouse it; but the story, which was taken from the French, was at the same time much better managed
Frolics of

The

Messrs.

man who had

of
the Plea

Office

formerly been master in the King's

by Mrs. Inchbald, in her "Widow's Vow." It had also been long before introduced on the Dublin stage by Miss Sheridan, in another farce, called " The Ambiguous Lover." In 1800, he brought out another opera, with Captain Jones, the present Irish ma" Love in a nager, called Blaze," the music by Dr. Stevenson of Dublin, to whose abilities, no doubt, it was indebted for the applause it is said to have received. It was presented in vain to the managers in London. The idea of this piece seems to be taken from the tragedy

Bench. He was bred an attorney, but quitted the dry study of the law, and having a smattering of humour,

He underin any situation. took an entertainment, called " The Medley," with the assistance of his wife and son. at all the principal cities and towns in F.ngland. Every town he entered, he pretended a and whenever another right to, company interfered with him, he was very attentive, and dextrous in layIn ing them under contribution. 17. .1, he petitioned the commons to be heard against the bill then dependsettle

He performed the stage. all the London boards, nut, being of a flighty disposition, could never
went on
on

to

racter
tliis

Widow of Malabar," which, render a comedy, the widow's chais converted into an Irishman, who is to burn for his mistress, and
of the
'

is Love

in a blaze

ing for regulating the stage, and was permitted to deliver a ludicrous speech, which was afterwards published.

Rau and much admired as a singer at Bath. Her first appearance in London was at the Haymarket, 1797. She was then engaged at Covent Garden, and sung for one Lent season in Ashley's oratorios. Her husband belongs to the same theatre ;
zini,

ATKINS, (Mrs.) maiden Worrell, actress, was a pupil of

name

but

is

this lady's

oftener seen than heard. For mother, see Mrs. Warretl.

He was commonly

called

ATTWOOD, (THOMAS)

com-

Tonv
ti-t,

Aston.

ATKINSON, (JOSEPH) dramaarmy.

a native of Ireland, and in the In 17S5. he brought out a

poser, son of a coal merchant, and organist at St. Pauls Cathedral. soondiscovered a musical genius which

He

Comedy on the Dublin stage, during Mr. Daly's management, called " The
Mutual Deception," in which Mr. Ryder pei formed, and it is said, all
the

having been properly cultivated, he became himself an instructor; and

has

now

several pupils under his care.

sing,

emolument
it

from

was,

half-a-crnvn.

the avithor derived This

Hiscomposittons are in general pleabut unfortunately, lushest music has been sacrificed to dramatic piece*

destitute

piece wjs altered

and reduced

to

three arts, by the late Mr. Colman, (who threw out entirely the under

of literary merit. Those which exist, ate " The Poor Sailor," " Castle of He Sorrento," &c.

ploO and brought it out at the Haymarket Theatre, under the title of " Tit fur Tat." In he
1766,

produc-

belongs to the Pimlico Association, and though young, has been sometime married to an agreeable lady, and is blest with a fine fanulv.

BADDtLEY",

BA

BA

BADDELEY, (Mr.) actor, native of England. In the early part of his life he went abroad, and having visited the continent, and acquired some knowledge of the French language, commenced actor at Drury Lane, and performed several parts in low comedy, particularly foreign footmen, with considerable applause. He was unfortunate in his marriage,
a

was

cake with wine and punch, which the iadies and gentlemen of Drury Lane Theatre are requested to partake of, every twelfth night in the great green-room."

BADDELEY,

(Mrs.

maiden name Snow,

SOPHIA)
of

actress, wife

and

died, November, 1794, having beed taken suddenly ill the preceding evening, when nearly dressed for " School for Scandal." Moses, in the He was buried in St. Pauls, Covent

the preceding gentleman, made her first appearanceon the stage at Drury Lane Theatre ; and. thoughher introduction to the public was after her marriage, yet it was before her husband had attempted die stage, which probably her success had encouraged.

following extract from bearing date April 23, 1792, will prove his benevolent attention to the infirmities and distresses of " To his faithful friend performers : and companion, Mrs. Catherine called and Strickland, generally known by the name of Baddeley, he
his will,

Garden.

The

bequeaths his life's interest, in house in New Store-street, and in

his

his

freehold, messuage, garden, &c. at pper Moulsey, in die county of

This lady's conduct soon after involved Mr. Baddeley in a duel, and infidelity at last caused Uieir separation. Her extravagance obliged her to fly to Scotland, where she died in Mrs. Baddeley's Megreat misery. moirs were given to the public by a /adv, soon after the publication of Bellamy's Apology for her Life ; the success of which, no doubt, prompted the undertaking: but the anecdotes of this actress not being calculated to entertain or improve, the work was
justly

Surry, with plate, furniture, &c. After her decease, the above estates, with certain monies to arise from the insurance of an annuity, to go to the society established for the relief of indigent persons belonging to Drury

consigned to oblivion.

thor of the " Biographia Drama tica ; or, Companion to the Playhouse," 2 vols, l^iiio, 1764, was the eldest son of Henry Baker, (an ingenious
naturalist in Fleet-street) by a daughter of the celebrated Daniel de Foe. His father was well known in the

BAKER, (DAVID ERSKINE) au-

Lane Theatre.
for

The house and premises at Moulsey, to be used as an

asylum decayed actors and actresses, and when the nett produce of the property amounts to 3501. per

annum, pensions areto be allowed

care to be taken to have the in the front of the house His executors to publish every year his letter, as appeared in the General Advertiser, April 20, 1790. respecting the
Especial words " Baddeley's Asylum,"

disagreement with his unhappy wife, to prevent the world from looking on
his

memory

in the villainous point of

view, as set forth in certain books, One hundred pamphlets, &c. pounds, three per cent, consolidated bank annuities which produce 31. per annum, is left to purchase a twelfth

philosophical world from his Es>ay on the Microscope. He died Nov. 12, 1774. David, like his father, wa, a philosopher and a poet, having contributed to many peiiodical works. He translated a pamphlet from the Italian of Dr. Cocchi, at the age of fifteen years, and a dramatic " produced poem, called The Muse of Ossian," selected from the poems of Ossian, acted and printed at Edinburg, 1763. Being adopted by an uncle, who was a silk throwster in Spitalfields, he

succeeded him in his business, but wanting the prudence and attention which are necessary to secure success in trade, he soon failed. He marlied

BA
rieJ a person

fe
actress

who was an

and

but though a sensible and judicious speaker, never arrived at much eminence. Our author also was a considerable time a miserable retainer to

gilder in Fleet Street, but on declining business, commenced Harlequin at Sadler's Wells, and retained his situation for seme time with re-

putation.

The son followed

his i*tt. at

his

ex-

tome

of the provincial theatres;

and

died l>efbre his father in very indiHis " Comgent circumstances. panion to the Playhouse," was imand from 1764, to continued proved 1782 ; but it must be confe-sed, that in the additions, opinion has been too freely hazarded, and wit too
often

Garden in a trilling character. He then went to Liverpool, where having met with approbation, he returned to London, and was engaged at Drury Lane. His taste for, and execution in scene painting, renders him useful
to theatres.

ample, and made

Covent

exercised

at the

expence of
dramatist,

BANNISTER, (CHARLES)

actor,

judgment.

BAKER, (THOMAS)
was
ney of the

was horn in Gloucestershire, and becoming acquainted with a company,

then performing at Deptford, imbib-

the son of a very eminent attorcity of London, and was of the University of OxHe produced five comedies in ford. the beginning of the century ; viz, " Humours of the Age," 1701 ; " Tun-

ed an

inclination for the stage,

and

some time

" Act at Oxbridge Walks," 1702 ; " ford." 1704 Hampstead Heath," 1706 ; and " Fine Ladies Airs."
;

Richard the Third. &e. played Romeo, before he was eighteen, with flatterHe then applied to ing applause. Mr. Garrick for an engagement,

which

that

gentleman declined, under

pretence there was no vacancy in his company but being more fortunate
:

1709

all

4to. actor,

BAKER, (THOMAS)

was

in Dublin about the year 1781, with Giordani, at Capel Street Theatre, and acquired some applause in old men's characters, though about nineteen years of age. He then perform-

to the Norwich manager, he performed there several seasons, and became a favourite. Being invited by Mr. Foote to the Hay.
in his application

market, he
in

made

his first

appearance

London
Mr.
J.

in Will,

(Orators); the

late

Palmer having likewise

quitted Purposes.'' the stage, and being clever at his pen, was employed by a scrivener in the Temple. Addicted to drink, though he never appeared on the stage in a visible state of inebriation, lie hasten-

ed at Margate, &c. Dec. 10, 178!), he came out at Drury Lane, in Grub, in " Cross He

made

his debut in the same piece. In this character, Mr. Bannister gave imitations, and was so happy as to

meet with general applause, though

naturally abashed at seeing Mr. Garrick in the house. By his imitations of Tenducci andChampnasshe provi

ed

his abilities as a singer,

and was

ed

his

death

which happened
in Fleet street,

at a

public-house

BAKER,

(BERKLEY)

1801. actor at

several provincial theatres, was manager of a company, particularly at a barn near Windsor, 17S9, (before the New Theatre was built) where he afterwards opened a public-house. " The Merry Wives of Windsor,"

soon afterengaged atRanelagh, Manbone Gardens, &c. when having increased his fame, lie was at length engaged by Mr. Garrick. and made las first appearance at Drury Lane in
Merlin,

(Cymon).

Be'.ng

refused

but
all,

his

company, wives, husbands and got so merry here, that the profits
I

an increase ol salary, to which he thought 'himself justly entitled, he went to Covent Garden in 17SJ, but returned to Druiy Lane in 17Sj, which lie deserted for the Royalty
heatre in I7S7-8. and became the chief object of persecution duiin^ his
I

were not adequate to the expences, and the result was Exeunt Omuei! His wife and daughter were likewise on the stage. The former appeared at
Capel StreetTheatre, Dublin, in 17S 4. BANKS, (Sen. and )un.) actors. The father was a respectable carver

attachment
1
i

to

Mr. Palmer.

On

the

Theatre lie quitted London, and performed at Norwich. Edinburgh, &c. Through the negotiation of his son, he wasrestotfailure ofthe Royalty

B A
ed to the favour of the London managers,

BA
a

and

is

now

member

of

Dairy Lane and the Haymarket. In this gentleman the actor and singer but in his preformerly combined sent performances he only remind* us of what he was: still, however, he remains a cheerful witty -ompanion,
;

BARCLAY, (Miss) actress, daughter of a clergyman, was early instructed in music, in which she acquiied such a proficiency, that lvr friends suggested to her the stage.
She

made

her

first

appearance

in

an

and a kind fiiend! BANNISTER, (JOHN) actor, son of the preceding, was designed for the profession of a painter, for which, he discovered an early genius but, inspired by the example of a father, and encouraged by Mr. Garrick, he resolved no longer to be a quiet painter of nature on canvas, but depict her with more animated colours on the stage. Accordingly he made his first appearance in Dick, ( The Apprentice,) and from his success,
:

oratorio, at the great theatre in the Haymarket, 1791, and being further instructed by a proper master, made her first appearance as an actress and singer the same year in a new opera, called " Dido," at Drury Lane, when, she acquitted herself so well, she pro-

procured an engagement at Drury Under the tuition of Mr. Lane. Garrick he performed juvenile characters in tragedy, but having attempted a new comic character, and meeting with success adequate to his wishes, he deserted the tragic muse, and became one of Thalia's best sup-

cured an engagement. She was engaged the succeeding summer season at the Haymarket. on the secession of Mrs. Bannister ; but, being offended at the part of a chorus singer being sent her, though it had been originally in the hands of Mrs. Bannister, a disagreement took place between her and the manager, which terminated
in the lady's dismission.

BARNARD,

(Sir

JOHN) was

cho-

sen one of the representatives in parliament for the city of London in

1722, which trust he continued to enjoy during six succeeding parliaments. His name we think essential
to our Dramatic Biography, as in 1735, he moved for leave to bring in a bill to limit the number of playhouses, and to restrain the licentiousness of players, which was then increased to an amazing degree: the bill at this time miscarried. As a

He was formerly a member porters. of the Haymarket Theatre, but resigned his situation to Mr. Fawcett for the sake of country excursions. He succeeded the late Mr. Edwin in several of his characters, having, firou^'h the instructions of his wife, acquired the meri the professes as a
sin.ier.

BANNISTER, (Mrs.) maiden name

wife of H.irp'ir, formerly actress, Mr. Bannister, jun. and daughter of a mantua-maker in Bath, for which business she was intended, but discovering an early genius for music, the care of a mashe was put under ster, and made her first appearance on the stage at the Haymarket in Rosetta. The succeeding winter she

magistrate, he had long been watching for such information as would bring the actors at GoodmanVfields playhouse within the reach of the vagrant laws ; but none was laid before him that he could, with prudence, act upon. At length, how-

was engaged at Covent Garden, and for several seasons filled the first characters of the English opera, with credit to herself and pleasure to the town. During thi.> her success, she
married Mr. Bannister, and September 5, 1791, took her leave of the
stage,
filling,

ever, an opportunity offered, which he embraced Mr. Henry Fielding, then a young barrister without practice, a dramatic poet, and a patriot, under the extreme pressure of necessity, had, in the year 1736, written a comedy, cr a farce, we may call it either or both, intitled, " Pasquin," a dramatic satire on the times, and brought it on the stage of the litile playhouse in the Haymarket; which being calculated to encourage popu:

at

piesent, the

more

lar

amiable characters of a domestic wife and a tender mother.

many
cils,

clamour, and containing in it reflections on the public counfurnished reasons for bringing a
bill

B A
into the house of commons for prohibiting the actingofany interlude,
bill

BA
remarkable handsome person, fine; voice, and pleasing address, soon cbliterated all mechanical notions and, after keeping up the farce of attending the counter two orthree years, he commenced actor on the Irish boards
,

tragedy, comedy, opera, play, farce, &c. without tiie authority of his majesty's letters-patent, or a licence from the lord-chamberlain. In this bill a clause was inserted on the motion of Sir John Barnard, by which
it

in

the year 1744, in ihe character of

such patent orlicence, to act or represent any such interlude, &c. in any part of Great Britain, except in the city of Westminster and such other places as his majesty, in person, should reside in. Before 1737, the year in which this bill was enacted into a law, the property of
fields

was made penal, even with any

wanted nothing but stage practice to make him reach the top of his profession. The summer of 1742, he played in Cork, and ac-

Othello, that he

when he gave

evident marks

Here it was quired fresh laurels. first suggested to him by his relation and particular friend, the late Sir Edward Barry, to come over to England, as the spot most congenial to great abilities however, before he
:

Goodman's-

playhouse had passed into the hands of Mr. Henry Giffard, who. encouraged by a subscription, pulled it down, and, under the direction of Shephard, the architect, (the same who afterwards built Covent Garden Theatre) had erected a new one. This man, while the bill was depending, petitioned against it, and, in his piinted case, represented the injury he was likely to sustain all the speci:

this essay, he returned to Duband joined the company of that year, which stands remarkable in the
lin,

made

Irish theatrical

annals, for the best

stage that perhaps ever was known at any period boasting at once of the great names of Garrick, Barry, Sheri,

ous arguments of the great sums he had expended on the purchase of the house, and rebuilding it, in scenes, clothes, &c. were urged with their utmost force, and his right to an but all to no efequivalent stated fect the bill passed, and the statute
; :

dan, Uuin, VVofrington, and Cibber ; there was scarce a play that these performers did not change parts in a kind of contention for public applause. The public, however, paid dear for this mental luxury, as the constant

part of the law of the land. It i< true, an evasion of it was afterwards contrived by an adveitiement of a concert, with a play given gratis,
is

now

and extreme fulness of the house brought on col is and fevers, beside and other accidents, which terminated in several of their deaths; and it was then very common to say, one died of a Garrick, a
dislocations

but that subterfuge was soon abandoned. The operation of this statute was two-fold: it subjected theatrical
representations to a licence, and limited the number of playhouses. BARRAT, (Mr.) actor, and for many years engaged at the Hay-

In 1746, 'luin, or a Barry fever. he came over to England, was engaged at Drury Lane, and the next
year, the patent falling into Messrs. Garrick and Lacey's hands, took the lead as the principal per former at that house. Here Mr. Garrick and he frequently appeared in the same characters, and in a great measure divided the applause of the town ;
arising

market 1 heatre, where, from a peculiar manner, voice and appearance, he made the characters of Orator Mum, Crazy, &c. his own. He died
in
ITi'.i.

against quitted

BARRY, (SPRANGER^
born
in St.

actor,

was

Warburgh's parish, Dublin,

however, Barry-, teeing an inferiority from the joint power exerted him as actor and manager, Drury Lane, and headed Covent Garden. Here his powers had full play ; and our stage Milo

Hewastheson 20, 1719. of an eminent silversmith of that city, who bred this hiselde.t to the bu-iness but an early intercourse with
;

November

entered the lists of competition against a man, which none hitherto durst approach. They played all
their principalcharacters against

each

tlic

theatre, with the solicitation of

other with vaiious success, which are C 2 marked

BA
marked by many epigrams and bon mots of that day. In this contention they remained till the summer of 1758, when Barry, joining with Mr. Woodward, of Drury Lane, undertook an expedition to Ireland, where they built two elegant play-houses, one in Dublin, the other in Cork ; and as joint managers exerted tneir respective abilities, with those of a very re-

BA
Having been seen and approved of by the late Mr. Colman, at Brighton, he was accordingly engaged for the Haymarket, and intended for a vocal performer ; but the engagement was afterwards broken on the manager's
applied, but in vain, to the of Drury Lane; at last, the Dubellamy, prompted them to give hiin an appearance, and he came out in Young Meadows, (Love in a Village). After which, he occapart

He

managers

loss of Mr.

spectable company, part of which they brought over from England.

However, after trying this scheme for some years, what with the expence of
building, the great salaries and increase of performers, together with the uncertain returns of their theatres,

sionally

performed

in tragedy,

comeof

dy, opera, &c.

On

the departure
rival theatre,

Mr. Farren to the

he

they both found they had changed Woodsituations for the worse. ward making the best bargain he could with Barry, to be paid his share in annuities, set sail for England, engaged himself at Covent Garden, and in a very laughable prologue, restored himself to the public favour. Barry staid but a few seasons behind him, for both he and Mrs. Harry play-

sequence. One night,at a very short notice, he offered to read the character of Charles Oakley, (Jealous

appeared

in characters of

more con-

Wife) in consequence of the sudden indisposition of Mr. Bannister, jun. the intended representative. The apology having been made to the
audience, and accepted, he began with the part in his, hand, but, din ing the second act, put it into his pocket, and went through the character to the great astonishment of all present, who testified their pleasure with flat-

ni

in the

summer
in the

of 1766,
it

at the

opera-house

Haymarket, under

Mr. Foote.

Here
first

was Mrs. Barry

made

her

appearance on the

London stage, in the character of Desdemona, in which she shewed such

judgment, tenderness, and expression, that Garrick, who was then in
declared her an actress of the stamp; and soon after engaged her along with Mr. Barry at a very considerable salary. For further particuMr. lars of this lady, see Crawford. Barry, soon after, quitted Drury Lane when an hefor Covent Garden reditary gout (which occasionally attacked him from his eailiest days) rendered his performances nut only (infrequent, but imperfect: yet, even in this unfinished state of his powers, tramped with aches, and bowrd down with infirmity, he gave an affecting picture of what he once was. He died Jan. 10, 1777. BARRYMORE, (Mr.) actor, was born in Taunton, and placed by his confather in a counting-house ceiving an early passion for the stage,
the
pit,
first
;
:

tering applause. He now married a lady in Bloomsbury, and the additional favour he acquired with the
public, was justly attended with an On the death of increase of salary.

he changed

his

name from

B'e-u-it

to

the above, and joined a theatrical company iu the We*t of. Engbi.d.

Mr. Brereion, and the departure of Mr. Palmer to the Royalty Theatre, be gained further opportunities of advaniiivg himself, and on the death of Mr. Halmer, &c. has. by due at;ention and unremitting industry, insured himself a permanent situation n both Drury Lane and the Haymarket. BARTHELEMON, (F. H.) composer, resident at Kennington. He has composed music for several little " Maid of the pieces, particularly the Oaks," the overture of which, was a composition of sweet pastoral simplicity, which gave general satisfaction ; butdi-gusted with the false promises of managers, he declined his further He was enassistance to the stage. gaged with his family at the Rotunda, Dublin, about the year 1784, when he gave Mr. Mountain (the present leader of the band at Covent Garden)
soineprivate instructions, and which
lie

BA
he continued to do on Mr. Mountain's Mr?. Bartheleraon visiting London. and her daughter have sung in concerts the former assisted Dr. Ar;

BE
BF.ARD, (JOHN) actor and on of the proprietors of Covent Garden, where he was acting manager, and celebrated both as a singer and performer. He was bred upin the King's Chapel, and was one of the singer* in the Duke of Chandos Chapel, at Cannons, where he performed in an oratorio composed by Mr. Handel. His first appearance on the stage was at Diury Lane, Aug. 30, 1737, in
character of Sir John Loverule, (Devil to Pay). In 1738-9, he married the only daughter of James Earl of aldegrave, widow ol Lord Edward Herbert, and on her death, which happened fourteen years afterwards, erected to her memory a handsome monument, expressive of He afterwards Cyramidal is love and sorrow. married the daughter of Mr. Rich, who was likewise patentee of Covent Garden, and by whose death, he was in aftuent circumstances. He quitted
the

nold in his burlettas at Marybone Gardens. Both these ladies have a

taste for

published Hymns and Anthems for the Asylum and Magdalen Chapels, &c. composed by Mrs. Bartheiemon, which ate superior to the generality of female productions.

composition

lately

were

(Mrs.) maiden name is the daughter of a gentleman who holds a situation under government, and wife of a respectable tradesman in the Strand. She was educated at a convent in France, and for some time instructed ladies in music, vocal and instrumental, [laving performed at several private theatres with flattering applause, (and indeed the applause of private theatres is in generaL/W/f/-ing ) she formed the resolution of at-

BASTAR,

Grtf/i,

actress,

tempting the public boards ; induced, perhaps, by the example of a

sistor,

who

is

now

a successful actress

herfirst

on the American stage. She made appearance at Covent Garden in Don Carlos. (Duenna) for the benefit of the Bayswater General Lying-in Hospital, June 13, 1800; her services having been readily accepted on account of the then scarIn consequence city of performers. of her success and strong recommenshe was dation, engaged by Mr. Harris. During the summer, she at Norwich and herself improved Yarmouth, and afterwards made her second, and we may add regular appearance at Covent Garden, in
Patrick. (Poor Soldier) Sep. 22, 1800.

the stage on his first marriage for a. few years, and afterwards returned to Drury Lane, and in 1744, went to Covent Garden, where he remained four seasons. He then engaged with Mr. Garrick, and continued with him till 1759; when, on his second marriage, he was engaged at Covent Garden, and on the death of his father-in-law, became one of the proHisrirst appearance at that prietors. time was in Macheath, Oct. 10, 1759, Polly by Miss Brent, and the opera ran fifty-two nights. During his
in February 1763, the serious riot took place: of Artaxerxes being advertised to be performed at the Theatre in Covent Garden, the first time for this season, with notice, that nothing under the full price could be taken, the audience, in consequence thereof, would not suffer it to begin, until Mr. Beard came upon the stage,

management

following

The opera

BATE, Rev. (H.)

see Dudley.

BATES, (Mr.) actor and member of Drury Lane company, but resigned his situation to assist the late Mr. Palmer in the Royalty Theatre scheme, for which he furnished several pan-

and gave them a categorical answer,

Yes, or No, concerning half-prices. From six in the evening, until past nine, there were several messages and speeches passed, but none that
the

tomimes, having much ingenuity in that way, and was frequently, the
motley htm of Wellclose Square. On the close of the Royally, he wisely re-

turned to afterwards
wife,

his

former

station.
:

Fie

his went to America who was an actress at Drury

Lane, died

lately in great distress.

audience thought satisfactory t in the pit, declared the actors ought to submit in this to the town, mote especially, as they had lately a precedent iu Mr. Garrick,

One gentleman

ilj.it

the

BE
the greatest theatrical genius. For want of this point being determined, at about half an hour past nine, the audience grew so exasperated, that the benches of the second gallery, the fore part of it, the seats in the boxes, the glasses, and every thing else that they could come at, were pulled to pieces. The stage was crowded with the audience that left the boxes
;

BE
but, in fact, so involved in debt, that. Mrs. Busby, not having taken the necessary precautions to secure a maintenance for herself and daughter, was Before this left destitute of support. sad reverse of fortune she had furnished her houses on Mount Sion, and let them, during the season, to perOne of sons of the first distinction. those who occasionally occupied the e houses was Mrs. Godfrey, sisier to the great Duke of Marlborough, who contracted such a friendship for Mrs. Busby and her daughter, that she offered to bring up the latter in every respect like her own daughter. This offer, though declined at first in the prosperous circumstances of Mrs.

married a second husband named' Busby a man of supposed property,

and pit. The damages amounted to some hundred pounds, and some of
the people belonging to the house were very much hurt. In 1767, he was engaged in a literary contest with Dr. Shebbeare, for having rejected a comedy of his. In 1768, he retired from the stage on account of the loss of his hearing, and died Feb. 5, 1791,

aged 75, at Hampton, Middlesex, where he resided after his retirement.

left legacies to the amount of 30001. He gave 1001. to the fund for decayed performers, and to Mr. Hull, his intimate friend and acquaintance, 501. to buy a ring in memory of him. His remains were deposited in the vault of the church at

He

Busby, was now gratefully accepted. Mrs. Godfrey accordingly placed Miss Seal, with her own daughter, at a

Hampton.

BECKINGHAM, (CHARLES)

dra-

matist, was the son of a linen-draper in Fleet Street, and received his education under Dr. Smith at the Mer-

year, viz.

1720. the author's benefit for the first, Dr. Smith gave his boys a holiday, that such as pleased, might pay their

Scipio and " Henry IV of France,"

chant Tajlor's School he produced two tragedies, which were represented on the stage before the author had well completed his twentieth "
;

boarding-school in Queen Square. Here she remained till the age of fourteen, when she unfortunately attracted the notice of Lord Tyrawley who accidentally met with her while upon a vLit. Young and inexperienced as she was, his Lordship soon persuaded her to elope from school, and to give up every hope from the protection of her kind patrone-s. Lord Tyrawley carried his fair prize
to his

own

apartments

in

Somerset-

Africanus,"

17 IS,

On

compliments to
that occasion.

their school-fellow

on

formerly a celebrated actress, who has perpetuated her name by the publication of her
life

BELLAMY,

(GEORGE
in 1781.

ANNE)
Her mo-

where she was treated with same respect as if she had been really Lady Tyrawley a name which he had frequently promi-.ed, before her elopement, to confer upon her, and he still continued to assure her that he would fulfil his engagement. She assumed his name, and lived with him for several months, till his lordship was ordered to join his regiment in Ireland, where, upon his arrival, he found his estates so involved by
house,
the
;

the

management

of his steward, that

was the daughter of an eminent farmer and hop-planter at Maidstone,

ther

whose name was

Seal.

He wa; one

of the people called Quakers, and grew so opulent, as to be enabled to

nothing could retrieve his affairs but an advantageous marriage. With this view he paid his addresses to Lady Mary Stewart, daughter of the
Earl of Blessington, whose fortune was to be 30,0001. and who, though not handsome, had a genteel person and most engaging disposition. During the courtship, the Earl of Eies-

purchase an
Wells,
fell

estate

at

called

Mount

Sion.

young and

intestate, his

Tunbridge Dying whole fortune

reputed

into the hands of his

widow, who

singtoa,

BE
smgton, having heard much of the connection between his intended sonin-law and MissSeal(then called Lady Tyrawley) wrote to the latter to desire information concerning the nature of that connection, at the
request.

BE
them.

He now

received her with

open arms ; but having recently formed a connection with a Portuguese lady, a circumstance of which
he did not care to inform Miss Seal, he placed the latter in the house of an English merchant. In this family she became acquainted with Capt. Bellamy, who having in vain solicited her to accent his hand, and suspecting that ner refusal was occasioned by a secret partiality for Lord Tyrawley, who likewise visited at the same house, informed her of his lordship's connection with Donna Anna.

same
his

iime explaining the motives of

Thi letter was received by Miss Seal, just after her recovery from In the her first lying-in of a son. violence of her resentment she enclosed Lord Blessington every letter she had received from her lover. Among these was one she had just received by the same post, and which In this letter, she sei-.t unopened.

" he should stay no longer with his intended wife, than was necessary to receive her fortune, when he would immediately fly on the wings of love to share it with her ; that he had made choice of Lady Mary Stewart, who was both ugly and foolish, in preference to one with an equal fortune, who was beautiful and sensible, lest an union with a more agreeable person might be the means of decreasing hisaffection for her, &c. Lord Blessington, highly irritated on the peru.-al of this letter, instantly forbade his daughter ever to see or write again to her perfidious lover. But his injunction came too late ; they

Lord Tyrawley, after explaining the .necessity of his marriage, added, that

Rage accordingly supplied the place of affection ; she immediately married the captain, and set sail with him for Ireland. After the arrival of
Capt. Bellamy and his new married lady at the place of their destination, our heroine was born, on St. Ceorge's Day, 1733, some months too soon for the captain to claim any degree of Her mother consanguinity to her. had so carefully concealed her pregnancy and connection with Lord Tyrawley from her husband, that he had not entertained the least suspicion of her incontinence. Her birlh, however, discovered the whole, and so

&c

had been already

privately married. .Lord Tyrawley, however, was disappointed of his expected fortune ; his mistress renounced her connection

separation from his lady endued ; and his lordship, the disappointed victim of his duplicity, was

with hiin

sent, at his
lic

own

solicitation, in a

character to Lisbon.

On

pub-

her se-

paration from Lord Tyrawley, Miss Seal embraced the theatrical profession, and going over to Ireland, performed the first characters there, for with some reputation. several years, But a disagreement aiising between the proprietors of the theatre and herself, she, on a sudden, took the 'strange resolution of embarking for Portugal, in order to renew her intimacy with Lord Tyrawley. Hi< lordship, who had previously sent her

Lisbon, wrote to his adjutant in Ireland, to request, if she proved pregnant in time, to consider the child as his, and to take care of it as soon as born, without, if possible, suffering the mother to see it : for his lordship did not conceive her connection with Capt. Bellamy to be of an honourable nature. Accordingly, our apologist was put out to nu^e till she was two years old ; and,atthe age of four, was placed, for her education, at a convent at Boulogne, where she continued till she was eleven. On being ordered home, a Mr. Du Vail, who

exasperated was the captain at her duplicity that he immediately left the kingdom, and never after either saw or corresponded with her. Lord Tyrawley though greatly displeased at Miss Seal's sudden departure from

had been
but

now

lived

domestic of his lordship's, in St. James"s Street,

was directed to meet her at Dover ; and with liim she resided till his lordship's return

many
al

pressing, but hitherto ineffectuimitations, had lately fuiborne

received her in

from Portugal, when he the most parental

manner,

BE
manner, and soon took her to a little box lie had hired in Bushy Park. Here she was introduced to all his visitors, who were chiefly the witty and the gay ; and who, the more effectually to please Lord Tyrawley,

BE
much triumph
as he usually did on the success of one of his darling pantomimes. Having thus happily commenced her theatrical career, she had the good fortune to acquire the patronage of the first ladies of distinction ; and, at the same time, had among the gentlemen, many professed ad-

were

lavish in

their praises of his

daughter, and very early tainted her mind with the pernicious influence of His Lordship being soon flattery.
after appointed Ambassador to Russia, she was left under the care of a lady of quality, with an annual allowance of 1001. and under an express injunction not to see hermother.

mirers,

among whom was Lord Bybut as she would listen to no; thing but marriage and a coach, his lordship chagrined at her rejecting his own terms, contrived a plan to be revenged; in consequence of which the Earl of a friend of his lord,
ron
ship's, called,

The

latter,

however, who had mar-

ried again, and whose husband, after her of every thing valuable, tripping had deserted her, prevailed upon her daughter to quit her kind protectress, and live with her. In consequence of this, the ample allowance, which had been her mother's inducement to
this

one Sunday evening, to inform her, that Miss B an intimate of her's, was in a coach, at the
,

bottom of Southampton Street, and wished to speak to her ; when, on going to the coach door, without hat or gloves, she was suddenly hoisted into it by his lordship, and carried off
as fast as the

imprudent step, was withdrawn, and Miss Bellamy was renounced by her father. Soon after, Mr. Rich, of Covent Garden Theatre, having by accident heard her repeat some passages in Othello, engaged her as a performer. She had perfected herself in the characters of Monimia and Athenais, and the former was fixed on for her first appearance. Mr. Quin, when she was introduced to htm, and who governed the theatre with a rod of iron, while Mr. Rich, though proprietor, was through his indolence a meer cypher, insisted on the impropriety of a child's attempting a character of such importance, and recommended to her to play Scrina instead of Monimia. Rich, however, persevered in bringing her forward A rehearin her chosen character. sal was called, when the fair adventurer was treated by the company with sovereign contempt. Mr.Q.uin,

When

little

horses could gallop. recovered from her as-

tonishment, which at first had deprived her of utterance, she gave free vent to her reproaches. The coach soon stopt in a lonely place at the top of North Audley Street, fronting the fields ; Oxford Street, at that time, not extending so far as it does at present. Here the earl got out, and took her into his house. He then
left her, as

he said, to prepare a lodging for her, which he had already seen at a mantua-maker's in Broad

He soon Street, Carnaby Market. returned; and with him came the she least person expected to see her own brother. She instantly flew into his arms, but was repulsed so violently, that she fell to the ground. The shock of such a repulse from a
brother, in the

moment

in

which she

who was
sent,

to play

Chamont, was ab;

Mr. Hale mumbled over Castalio, whistled Polydore but as she had the opportunity of seeing the piece performed at Drury Lane Theatre the night before her appearance, it gave her a sufficient know-

and Mr. Ryan

to find him her protector, deOn her prived her of her senses. return to sensibility, the only object that appeared, was an old female servant, who told her that she had orders to convey her to the lodgings that had

hoped

been prepared

for

her.

From

tliis

ledge of the business of the play. Her performance met with universal approbation, and the congratulations of Q.uin, &c. while Rich expressed as

old woman she learned, that her brother had bestowed manual chastisebut that, as ment upon the earl he seemed to suppose that she had consented to the elopement, he had declared he would never see her
;

move.

BE
more. The woman added, that he had threatened the earl and his associate with a prosecution, which had so terrified her master, that he gave orders to have her removed out
of the house as soon as possible, as her being found there might make against him. This elopement having been

BE
the town, with whom she boarded for some time. Her account of her residence here, and of the unexpected sight of her mother, has the pleasing air of romance, with the interesting charms of truth. All the letters which she had sent to her mother had been

unanswered

misrepresented in the news-papers, the wrote her mother a true account, in hopes to retrieve her favour ; but Mrs. Bellamy, at the instigation of a wicked female relation, who lived with her, returned her daughter's
letter

for they had all been ; intercepted by the wicked relation

before-mentioned; whose death produced this discovery, and terminated

reconciliation between Mrs. Bellamy and her daughter. On her return to town [1745] she was engaged by Mr. Sheiidan, to accompany him as a theatrical recruit to Ireland. On her arrival there, she was acknowledged by Mrs. O'Hara, Lord and Tyrawley's sister, as her niece she was introduced, in course, into the first circles in Dublin. Here she continued for two seasons ; and became acquainted with a Mr. Crump, on whose account, in the sequel, she suffered much persecution. On her return to England, she was again en;

in a

unopened.

Thus abandoned

by her mother, and too much depressed by public scandal to attempt a reinstatement in the theatrical line, the anguish of her mind brought
a fever, that had nearly proved but of which her youth and constitution at length got the better. On her recover)', she paid a visit to a female relation of her mother's, namfatal,

on

that she came to claim a legacy of 3001. that had been left to her by a
sister of Mrs. Clarke's, on condition that she never went upon the stage, and which they paid her immediately, without enquiring whether she had The famous Zachary forfeited it. Moore, who from possessing an estate of ".5,0001. a year, was reduced, by

ed Clarke, at Bramtree, in Essex, whose family being quakers. it was probable, had not heard of her disand here she met with a grace very cordial reception. The remains of recent il ness would have appeared a sufficient motive for this visit, had it not been supposed likewise,
;

at Covent Garden Theatre, and by the kind interposition of Mr. Quin, reconciled to Lord Tyrawley. This, in the sequel, terminated in another elopement from this theatre

gaged

for his lordship being extremely urgent with her to marry Mr. Crump, she suffered herself one evening to be carried off from the theatre by Mr.

Metham, while the audience were waiting for her appearance in the character of Lady Fanciful, in the fifth act of the Provoked Wife. In this part of her narrative she relates i

extravagance, at the age of forty, the necessity of accepting an enin a regiment at Gibraltar, happened to be on a visit in that neighbourhood, and unfortunately discovered that this picture of sainted
his

to

signcy

laughable incident, that happened at a rehearsal of Coriolanus, while it was preparing for the benefit of Thomson's sisters. Mr. Quin's pronunciation was of the old school. In this Mr. Garrick had made an alteration.

The one pronounced

;

less a personage Bellamy, the celebrated This discovery put a period actress. to her sojourning withher Quaker relations. from Clarke-Hall she repaired to Ingatestone, in order to visit Si ;s V\ hite. another quaker relation whose family happening then to be

simplicity

was no

than Miss

the let'er : the other sounded it like an open which occasioned the following
;

when
1 i

||

at the yearly
i

meeting at London, she admittance into the house pr cure of a Reman Catholic far.r.er, near

mi. take. In the piece", the Roman Ladies come in procession to solicit Coriolanus to return to Rome, they are attended by the tribunes. And the centurions of the Volscian army bearing /';.r-., their ensign>s of authority, they are orhi

icrous

dered by the hero (the part of which was plaved by Mr. Q.uin) to lower I) them

BE
them
as a

B E
But the
indeed, seemed ever to pursue this lady ; for among other untoward circumstances of tier life, it must not be forgotten, that a fortune of several thousand pounds was left to her by a Mr. Sykes, who died in Fiance ; but of which she was deprived by the who abvillainy of his servant, sconded with his will and effects ; that having incurred the displeasure
of Mr.

men who

token of respect.

personated the centurions, imagining, through Mr. duin's mode of pronunciation, that he said their
faces, instead of their fasces, all bowed their heads together. ---Mr. Metham hired an elegant house for her at York, where in a few months she was delivered of a son. In the ensuing season she was again engaged at

Covent Garden Theatre

and soon
deception
;

after effected another reconciliation with LordTyrawley. By a

Colman, by refusing (with some other performers) to sign an

approbation of

of Mr. Lacy, she was engaged the season after at Drury Lane and, in a subsequent one, again at Covent Garden. Her connection with Mr. Metham did not prove permanent,

manager
during

his conduct as acting Covent Garden Theatre, dispute with Messrs. Harris and Rutherford, she was finally and discharged from that theatre that Mr. Woodward, the actor, hav-

of

his

through jealousy on his part, and She vowed resentment on hers. never to live with him again, either as mistress or wife ; and, though he would fain have purchased a reconciliation by making her the latter, she continued inflexible in her resolution. She determined, moreover, never to form a connection with any other man; but, through circumstances
of

ing boarded

her, at Strand-on-the-Green, after the dissclution of her connection with Mr.

some time with

persuasion and

deception, was

induced to listen to the proposals of Mr. Calcraft; though she declared

Digges, (who, like Mr. Calcraft, it was discovered to have a wife) he left her, in 1777, all his plate, jewels, and a reversion, on the death of his brother, of 700A the whole of which, except 59/. she lost through the chicanery of the law. She took her leave of the stage in 1784. The managers of Drury Lane

seems,

having

generously

granted

her

him a love.

man

it

was not
this

in

her

power

to

gentleman she lived about nine years and a half; but a

With

benefit, at the request of her friends the play was Braganza ; and Mrs.
in

connection, in which, according to her own account, her extravagance was boundless, and his meanness insupportable, could not be permanent. She next married, as she thought, Mr.
Digge,-, the player, in

Ireland.

Her

Yates appeared, on the occasion, the character of the Dutchess. She died February 16, 1788. BENSLF.Y, (Mr. factor, now retired, was an officer in the marines, previous to which, it is said, he at empted the During his military life, he stage.

time amounted to this about 6,0001. of which, she sai I, was expended in Mr. Calcraft's house-keeping. Here it will be sufficient to observe, without following our heroine through her excursions to the continent, and her subsequent
debts at
10.3001.

formed in private plays, which were got up by the officers for their own amusement. He served in North America, and on the conclupet
sion of the peace, returned to

Engre-

land,

and having been strongly

to

commended

engagements at the theatres, both in London and Dublin, that as Mr. Calcraft refused to

perform

his

promise

of discharging her debts, they continued ever after to involve her in inextricable difficulties, and fienuent arrests till, at last, she was obliged to take lodgings under the name of
;

West, at Walcut Place, Lambeth, and to be even tempted to put a period A kind of fatality, to her existence.

Mr. Gariick, procured an Engagement. His lirst appearance at Drury Lane was in Pierre, (Venice Preserved) 1765; when he was supported by a large body of his brother officers. lie then engaged at Covent Garden, where, on the death of Messrs. Powell and Holland, he became a more conspicuous performer. Afterwards he returned to Drury Lane and retired from the stage in 1796.

BENSON,

B E
BENSON, (Mr.) actor, ef two dramatic trifles,
and author " Britain's

BE
BERNARD,
(Mrs.)

maiden name

Glory ; or, A Trip to Portsmouth," " Love and 1794; and Money; or, The Fair Caledonian," 1795, was in several provincial companies, where

She Roberts, wife of the preceding. accompanied her husband to Dublin, and performed at the Little Theatre,

Capel Street, during the management

of

two

unsuccessful

adventurers,

he was esteemed a hero, particularly at Windsor. Having married the sister of Mrs. S. Kemble, he procured an Engagement at Drury Lane, and a summer one at the Haymarket. He rendered himself exceedingly useful,

about the year 1780.

She acquired

by being a ready substitute in sudden indisposition, arid of willing to undertake any character in comedy, tragedy, &c. Being afflicted with a brain fever, he threw himself out of a garret-window in Brydges
case
Street,

considerable fame in Lucy, ( Beggars Opera). She sustained the station of heroine in several country companies, and succeeded Mrs. Siddons at the Bath Theatre. Her first appearance at Covent Garden was the same night of her husband's, (Mrs. Sullen), though she was previously

announced
matist
hill

for

Lady Randolph.
dra-

BETTERTON, (THOMAS),
and
actor,
Street,

Covent Garden, where he lodged, about 3 o'clock in the morning, May 20, 1796, and dadied his
brains out.
It is

said,

he

first

attempt-

ed to get out window.

tist,

of the

two

pair of stairs

was born in TotWestminster ; and, after having left school, is said to have been put an apprentice to a bookseller. It is supposed he made his first appearance on the stage about
direction the year 1657, at the opera-hou^e, in Charter House Volume, under the of Sir William Davenant. He went over to Paris to take a view of the French scenery, and on his return, made such improvements, as added greatly to the lustre of the About the beginning English stage. of the eighteenth century, (on which

BENTLEY, (RICHARD), dramawas

the son of Dr. Bentley, a

great critic. Heproduced a comedy, called ''The Wishes," 1761 ; and a tra" Philodamus," 1767. gedy, called He died Oct. 23, 1782 : and an opera " called The Prophet," which he left in the hands of Mr. Harris, was actcdin 17SH. Thoughhis literary abilities

writings

were considerable, his dramatic were unsuccessful.

(Mr.) actor,

BERNARD,

born

in

volume), his patrons opened a subscription for building a theatre in the Haymarket, which was finished
in 1706.

account our

we

introduce

his

name

in

Portsmouth. His father was a German, and afterwards a lieutenant on board a man of war. The son was
intended for the navy, but as the services of his father had been unrewarded, he was placed as a superinlendant in a shop, and, therefore, resolved to so on board some vessel, either at Plymouth, or Bristol when meeting with a theatrical company, he accidentally became a performer under an assumed name. A favour;

now upwards
to Sir

age, resigned the

Bctterton, however, being of seventy years of management of it

John Vanhrugh and Mr. ConIn the spring of 1709, a which was then an uncommon favour, was granted to him on account of his infirmities, and some embarrassments. The was "
greve.
benefit,

play

Love

for

Love

;"

and

Mrs.

he performed Valentine, Bracegirdle, and Mis.

able repi

rt

of his talents

procured

him an engagement at Norwich, where he married Miss Roberts, the

then heroine ofthecompany. He now gradually advanced in reputation and profit, and became proprietor and manager of the 1'iymouth Theatre.

Barry, who were actresses of celebrity, though they had retired from the stage, appeared.cn this occasion, in the characters of Angelica, and When the play was over, Frail. these two ladies led on Bctterton, and Mrs. Barry spoke an appiopriate

He made

hi-

first

at

Covent Garden

in

appearance Archer, (Beaux

Stratagem), 1787.

address, written by Mr. Rowc. By this benefit he got 5001. and a promise was given him that the favour should he annual!) repeated: but he

only

BE
only lived to have one more; for being sorely afflicted with the gout, and having submitted to external applications, in order to enable him to appear occasionally on the stage, the distemper flew into his head, He and he died April 28, 1710. was interred in Westminster Abbey. He revised several pieces, which were publi.-hed with his alterations, and wrote a comedy called " The

BI
was obliged
name.
to take refuge abroad ; leaving behind him a disgraceful

dramatic Poem,

His pieces are " Leucothee," 1756 ; " Thomas

;

and
"

Sally

or,

The
"

Sailors

Return,"

Love in a Village," burletu, 1760; 1762 "The Maid of the Mill," 1765 ;
;

Woman made
is

and Amintor," 1765, Daphne " Plain Dealer." comedy, operas; altered from Wicherly, 1765; " Love in the City," opera, 1767, reduced to

BETTERTON, (THOMAS),
said

which

a Justice." actor, to be a native of Ireland, In stage he ha^ often visited.

1793, he was with Mr. Daly, and conceiving that the manager's conduct had been injurious to him, made a complaint to the audience on the stage. Mr. and Mrs Daly,
after a temporary retirement, were to re-appear before the public the succeeding week, in Oakley and

an afterpiece ; called " The Romp," 1767 ; " Lionel and Clarissa," opera, 1768 ; " Royal Garland," interlude " Absent Man," farce, 1768; 1768, " Padlock," musical entertainment, which was falsely ascribed to Mr. " The Dibdin, 1768 ; Hypocrite," " comedy, 1768; Ephesian Matron," " Dr. Last in hh burletta, 1769 ; " The 1769
Chariot," comedy, Captive," opera, 1769
its

" Tis Well ; no Worse," comedy, 1770 ; " The

manager,

The Mrs. Oakley, (jealous Wife). as is usual in those cases, was called upon for an explanation,
t

Mr. Daly's vindication, was accepted and approved of. with his daughter at Bath ; and, previous to their Engagement at Covent Garden, at York, where Miss Betterton was introduced

an

both

' He would if he could or, An ; Oil Fool worse than any," burletta, 1771 ; and " The Sultan," 1787. BIGGS, (JAMES) actor, was born
in Suffolk
;

Recruiting Serjeant," burletta, 1770;

He

has been

his father

being a country

manager he commenced performer

when

father's tirst

by a grand preparatory puff. The appearance at Covent Garden was in Belcour, (West Indi-

very young, and' his theatrical abilities recommended him to the Bath managers; he became a favourite there ; and was, consequently,

an', Oct. 21, 1797 The daughter's 12. This Elwina, (Percy) Oct. lady was married in 1800, to Mr. Glover of Birmingham, and was ridiculously announced in the play" Late Miss Betterbills afterwards, ton," vice Mrs. Glover.
in

Drury Lane, where he appearance, Sept. 27, (Maid of the Mill); but he did not live to exert his powers,

engaged

at

made

his first

1798, in Ralph

boards, for be died Dec. 9.

unquestionably original, on London the same year,

BIGGS, (ANNE)

actress,

sister

of

BEVERLEY, (Mr.) actor, tive of Hull, in Yorkshire,

been

is

a na-

and has

in conjunctionwith Mr. Russet of Margate, and late of Drury Lane ; but the scheme was unsuccessful. He mar-

He opened

in several country companies. a theatre at Sheerness,

the preceding, was born at Debenham in Suffolk, 1775 ; like her brother she entered the theatrical list when very young. She performed at Bath and' Biistol in 1796, and at

ried a sister of Miss

through

her

Chapman, and, interest, procured an

at

Covent engagement where he appeared for the

Oct.

Garden,
first

time,

in the Irish Widow," 1797, where she continues to hold a re?.pectable situation. BILLINGTON, (Mrs.) actress and

Her Birmingham, Plymouth, &c. first at Drury Lane was appearance "

1800, in David, The Rivals'. I, BICKERSTAi'Fk, ISAAC), draHe matist, was a native of Ireland. was an officer of marines, and a

successful writer for

the stage

but

singer, maiden name Weichsell. Her father was a German musician, and her mother a celebrated singer at Vauxhall : the daughter's first introduction to the pubiic was at the

Haymarket

BL
Haymarket Theatre,
in

BL
a
concert,

for ihe benetit of Mrs. Weichsell; after which, she officiated at many

About private and public concerts. Billing ton. 178'2, she married Mr. and applied her mind to the stage. Accordingly she engaged with Mr. Daly, the Dublin manager, and her husband, likewise, for the orchestra.
Herreceptionwas favourable, though she frequently performed to empty benches. She left Mr. Daly, and went to Capel Street Theatre ; but
soon
after,

presentations were at Plymouth, Ehc". ter, &c. and his abilities soon recommended him to the Bath managers, where he became a favour-

He here married performer. Miss Wright, formerly, of Drury Lane Theatre. In 1787, he accepted an engagement, which had been repeatedly offered, at Covent Garden, and
ite his first

in

appearance on this stage was Hodge, (Love in a Village) He

returned to

Her recommendations
were
first

so great,

Smock Alley. to Mr. Harris that she made her

at

command of their majesties, in Rosetta, (Love in a Village) Feb. 13, 1786, and, gradually, acquired the reputation of a first rate In 179 1, she made the tour singer. of Italy, where she received the most distinguished honours. Before
by
her
departure, some

appearance

Covent Garden,

acquired considerable fame; but an unfortunate attachment to the bottle, deprived him of this and other situations, and he was, at length, obliged to accept of an engagement at the Circus. Being invited to Edinburgh, the manager Mr. S. Kemble, was determined to keep him, if posover.
till the first night was accordingly brought him and leaving a proper allowance of wine before him took his- usual nap but Tom, having' finished his pint of Port, made free with a bottle of brandy on the sideboard. The manager awoke, found his guest insensible, and was obliged to dismiss anovertlowinghouse! This unfortunate, but excellent comedian, finished his davs in Dublin. BLANCHARD, (WILLIAM) actor, is a native of York, born in 1769, where his uncle is an eminent

sible, sober,

He

home

to dinner,

needy

scrib;

bler gave the public her Life l.ke the " Memoirs of Mrs.

but,

deley,"

it

was

justly

Badconsigned to

oblivion. The death of Mr. Billington, took place during his wife's tour abroad, and she was said to be afterwards married to a Venician noShe has, however, renobleman. turned suddenly to London, and it is expected that she will shortly make her re-appcarance on the English stage.

B1KCH, (SAMUEL) dramatist, is a pa>try-cook in Cornhill, and deputy of Cornhill Ward. His dramatic works are " The Mariners. ' acted 17*0; "The Packet Boat,' actedl794 "The Adopted Child," 1795; The " Fast 1796; Smugglers, Asleep," 1797; condemned, toivakeno more! These are all musical entertainments,
;

printer, and proprietor of a newspaper, to whom the nephew was apprenticed. At the age of seventeen, he left his uncle, and, under an assumed name, joined a company of

comedians,

when

his

success

was

so

great, that he resumed hisown name, and became a theatrical hero. In 1793, he was engaged by the mana-

and except on benefit

ber of

the last,

were produced
he

As the author nights. generouslytakes a considerable numtickets

ger of Norwich. His first appearance in London was at Covent Garden, Oct. 1, 1800, when he performed in both play and farce Acres, (Rivals), and Crack, (Turnpike Gate). He is a married man, with a
family.

on the occasion,

always fin Issome eminent performer ready and willing to accept his services.

BLANCH ARD, (THOMAS)

BLAND, (Mr.) actor, brother to Mrs. Jordan, (which see) ; he was in St. Patrick's choir, Dublin, but left
that

actor,

kingdom on
Irish

his sister's

departure

being of theatrical parentage, was brought up to the stage from his infancy, and introduced to the public injuvenile characters. His manly re-

from the

stage.

actor in the country,

He became and made his

first appearance at Drury Iine, in Sebastian, (Twelfth Night), Feb. 10, 1790.

BO
1790. He married Miss Romanzini, of the same theatre, and was a member of the Haymarket company. In consequence of a separation from his wife, he retired from the Lon-

BO
Yates's benefit, 1760, under the tide of " Marriage Alamode." He had a commission in the foot guards, and, for many years, was one of the gentlemen ushers to George II. BOLOGNA, (Sen. and Jun.) actors of pantomime, to which the whole

don boards, and, occasionally, performs at provincial theatres.

BLAND, (Mrs.) maiden name actress, is daughter of a Jewess, and was articled to the Royal Circus, having, while young,
Romanzini,
discovered a fine voice. She, gradubeally, acquired fame, and soon
the greatest favourite of the On the expiration of her a regular articles, she aspired to stage, and was engaged by the Dubwas well lin manager, where she
place.

came

family have been brought up. Mr. Bologna, jun. is the chief support of the Circus, where he has long He is at present, the practised. motley hero of Covent Garden. BOND, (WILLIAM) altered and revised a play written by a gentleman deceased, called " The Tus-

received, though not always brought forward in those characters, which

were most adapted

to her abilities.

She succeeded Mrs. Wrighten in Drury Lane, and soon became a The sucfavourite with the public.

ceeding summer season, she was employed at Liverpool ; but was afterwards engaged for that period by Mr. Colman. This lady, both as actress and singer, has given much but an unfortunate mapleasure lady, occasioned by the accidental Joss of a child, has lately deprived the public of her performances.
;

can Treaty ; or, Tarquin'a Overthrow," 1733. Mr. Hill gave him his tragedy of " Zara," which, having been offered to the managers of both theatres, and delayed for two years, was acted at the Great-Room in Yorkbuildings, for the benefit of Mr. Bond, who, himself, represented Lusignan ; but, being in a very weak state, he fainted on the stage, was carried home in his chair, and died next morning, 1735.

(BARTON) actor, who chiefly excelled in tragedy, was born in the county palatine of Lancaster, 1681. He was put to Westminster-

BOOTH,

school at

the

age of

nine

where he soon discovered an excelHis first theatrical attempt was in a Latin play at school, which gained him universal applause, and gave him an inclination for the He was intended for the stage. church but at the age of seventeen, when about to be sent to the University, he eloped from school, and went over to Ireland with Mr. Ashbury, then master of the company at DubHere he was soon distinguished lin. by his theatrical abilities, and after a stay of three seasons, he returned to
lent genius.
;

years,

BOADEN,
wrote "

(JAMES)

dramatist,

is a student in the temple, and born in the West of England.

was

He

Daraxa," a " Fonmusical entertainment, 1793;

Osmyn and

" The
1795

tainville

" The Italian Monk," a mu; " Cambro Bri1797 sical drama, a musical 17b8 ; and drama, tons," " Aurelio and Miranda," drama,
;

Forest," a tragedy, 1794 ; Secret Tribunal," a tragedy,

1799.

His Plays are generally found-

ed onpopularromances. This gentleman was the first who attacked the MSS. which were imposed upon the public as Shakespeare's, and in a spirited and well written pamphlet, 1796, anticipated the most considerable remarks that were afterwards

England, and was

recommended

to

Mr. Betterton.

Hisfirst character

on

the English stage was Maximus, in the tragedy of" Valintinian ;" in this and

made

by Mr. Malone, in a volumisubject.

nous work on the same

author of BODENS, (CHARLES), " The Modish a comedy, called Couple," 1732 which was reduced to an afterpiece, and acted for Mrs.
:

other parts he acquired considerable fame, which was afterwards stamped by his performance in the tragedy of " Cato," which was brought on the stage in 1712. Hisreputation procured him a share in the management of
the theatre,

procured,

his

and a new licence being name was added to

those

BR
those of
;

BR
gentleman? The actor who pleases every body, mustbe a man of merit."

Cibber, Wilkes, and Dogbut the last gentleman was so get chagrined at the addition, that he

The
sible

old

man

felt
:

threw up

his share.

He was now

in

rebuke

he took

the force of this sena pinch of

the highest reputation as an actor ; but his health heginning to decline, though only in the thirty-third year of his age, he could not perform as often as usual, and, consequently, when he did, he drew crowded audiences. He died of a complication of distempers,

snuff, and frankly replied, Why, faith Bracey, I believe you are right

"

the

young fellow is lady had acquired a

died, Sept. 12, 1748.

clever."

This
fcr-

handsome
abilities.

tune by her theatrical

She

May

10, 1733.

BOOTH,
some time,
trifling

(Mrs.) actress, has, for filled the characters of

and

who

old women, at Drury Lane Her husband, the Haymarket. is a taylor, is employed at the former house.

(W.) actor, was in Manchester, where he was put an to a cotton manufactory. apprentice

BOWDEN,

bom

tragedy, called Huniades," and " afterwards, Agmunda," in which she played herself at Drury Lane, 1792. BRENT,( Miss) actress, was a scholar of Dr. Arne, and had been employed in an oratorio, performed at Drury Lane, in the spring of 1762. Her voice had not then reached that
full

BRAHAM, (Mr.) See LEONI, wrote BRAND, (HANNAH) "

strength
:

and melody,
practice,
it it

After he had served his apprenticebusiness for himself; ship, he set up but, not meeting with the expected at an early age ami having success, discovered an excellent voice and taste for music, agreeable to the advice of his friends, he attempted the

by frequent
attained
pleasing,

to which, afterwards

however, and harmonious,

was
arid

clear,

gave

a very fair promise of rising to great Arne made a tender of perfection. her abilities to Mr. Garrick, at a very

and made his first appearance on London boards, having in 1787, procured an engagement for three years from Mr. Harris, who was then His in want of a deep tenor singer. voice goes down to U. and rises nearly as far as E ; his tones are manly and
stage,

natural.

The

character he chose for

moderate income. A taste for music, or even a tolerable ear for a song, was not amongst Mr. Garrick's endowments and, notwithstanding he was strongly pressed by several of his friends to employ Miss Brent, he It was one of persisted in refusing. this manager's failings, to reject, frequently, propositions from others,
;

his (kbutv/dii

Robinhood.

though apparently

BRACEG1RDLE, who had retiredfrom

(Mrs.) actress, the stage about thirty years before Mr. Garrick's first appearance, and, at that time, was visited by many persons of condition and taste, from whom, she heard the most extravagant account of this Colley young performer's merit. Cibber, however, with whom she happened to have a conversation, after Garrick's performance of Bayes, (RehearsaO, spoke of him with affected derogation
his
'
:

He would

for his advantage. always seem at least to

saying,

He

be the first mover himself of every undertaking ; as if he thought listening to the advice of his friends, implied a degradation of his understanding. The ensuing winter, however, he had full leisure to repent his obstinacy; for Mr. Reard made Miss Brent his most powerful engine to demolish the success and humble the pride of Drury Lane. Her Polly, and Beard's Captain Macheath,

drew crowded houses for seveactor, 1741, his father, Major a gentleman well in Bath. At the age of sevenin

was well enough, but nut superior

son Theophilus,"
to

to

ral nights.

who had
;

li.tle

BKERETON, (WU.I.TAM)
was born
lirereton,

more

recommend him
"

in the part,

than pertness and vivacity but this lady, reproving his malignity, generously, said,
tell

was

known

Come, come, Cibber, there is not something like envy in your character of lliii young

me

if

teen years, young Brereton made his first appearance on the stage at Drury Lane, in the character of Douglas

BR
gias,

BR
He was
face,
clear, sweet, and capable of great compass.

November

10, 1768.

and a voice

instructed by Mr. Garrick ; but continued long in a state of mediocrity, the exigency of the till, fortunately, theatre threw on him the part of Jaffier to Mrs. Siddons's Belvidera. From this time he gradually arose In public favour. He vent to Dublin in 1785 when a malady, not
:

was born

BROOKE, (HENRY)
in Ireland.

dramatist,
his

tragedy of rehearsed at

1738, " Gustavus Vasa," was Drury Lane, and the

In

his insanity, he was put under the care of a person at Hoxton, where, after about twelve months residence, he died, February 17, 1787, and was buried in Shoreditch Churchyard, in which a stone is erected to his

easily accounted for, impeded his theatrical performances, and deprived him of his faculties. During

" The Earl of

actors were all ready in their parts; when an order came from the lord chamberlain to prohibit it. Having publivhed it by subscription, he is said to have made by it 8001. In 1741, he produced a tragedy, called

Westmorland

or,

memoir.

BREVAL, (JOHN DURANT) dramatist, was son of Francis Durant de Breval, D. D. prebendary of Westminster, and was educated at Westminster School, from whence he went to Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was elected fellow about 1702. In consequence of a dispute between him and Dr. Bentley, then master of that college, he either quitted or resigned his fellowship and went into the army, then in
Flanders, as an ensign.

" The

" Little John and the Giants," was played in Dublin one night, and His other tragedies are prohibited. " The Earl of Essex ," first acted in " Dublin, 1761 Anthony and Cleo" The " Impostor ;" Cympatra ;" " Montezuma beline ;" and " The ;" Vestal Virgin." His come" dies are The Contending Brothers ;" " The Charitable Association ;" " The Female Officer;" and
called
;

Betrayer of his Country," which was first acted in Dublin with success. About 1746, his dramatic opera,

Marriage Contract ;'' all printed in his works, 4 vols, 1778. He died in November, 1783.

He wrote
1738-9. a native

the" Confederates," a farce, 1717; and " The Play is the Plot," comedy,
3718.

maiden name Afontr, was the daughter of a respectable clergyman. Her

BROOKE, (FRANCES)

dramatist,

He died in January, BREWER, (GEORGE) is

lia

first production was a novel, JuMandeville," which recommended her to the public. Her husband

"

of England, and author of a comedy, called "How to be Happy," 1794; and of a musical entertainment, called " Bannian Day," 1796. BRIDE, (Miss) actress, belonged to Drury Lane Theatre in Mr. Garrick's time, 1763, able situation.

bee

was chaplain to the garrison at dueand having accompanied him to Canada, she there formed her admired novelof " Emily Montague."
;

On

her return to England, accident

and held a respect-

BRIDGES, (THOMAS) was born

in Yorkshire, and produced an opera, called " Dido," 1771 ; and a musical " The Dutchentertainment, called man," 1775.

introduced her, and congenial sentiments attached her to Mrs. Yates; in consequence of which connection, she became acquainted with Mr.
Garrick.

Her

first

dramatic

BROADHURST,
she

(Miss)

actress,

was pupil of Mr. Percy; and not more than sixteen years old when

made

her

first

theatric essay at
Polly, (Beggar's

Covent Garden,

in

Opeia), Jan. 15, 1791. Though full grown. she evinced that artless simpliof youth city which is the charm
;

possessing a

good

figuie,

pleasing

Excursion," novel, vehicle by which she exhibited to the public her manifold complaints, again>t the king of Drury but though her anger was just, the retribution was too severe, which she herself afterwards thought, for she lamented and retracted it. Her tra:

formance was the tragedy of " VirHaving some reasons ginia," 1756. to be dissatisfied with Mr. Garrick's behaviour as manager, she made " The a the

per-

gedy

BR
" Scdy of the Siege of Sinope," written principally with a view of placing Mrs. Yates in a conspicuous charac-

BR
satisfaction as a performer, particularly, in the Copper Captain. His memory was frequently treacherous ; but he had,

where he gave general

was brought out by Mr. Harris, but was received with cold approbation Her next and most popular " Rosina," than production was which, few musical entertainments have been more successful ; but to the composer Mr. Shield, some share of the merit was due. In 1788, she brought out another musical enter" tainment, Marian," of which, Mr. Shield may claim all the merit. She likewise translated several books from the French. This lady was esteemed by Dr. Johnson ; valued by Miss Seward and her company courted by She died, all the first characters. five days after her husband, Jan. 26,
ter,
;

on this occasion, a peculiar laugh which always put the audience into goodhumour, and gave himself sufficient time for recollection. There have been and are still several performers of this name.

BROWN,
her
first

(Mrs.)

actress,

made

appearance at Covent Garin Miss Prue, (Love for Her husband was likewise engaged; but seldom performed characters of any consequence.

den Theatre Love) 1785.

a useful actress, and her daughter. Miss Anna Ross, producedan opera at anearlv age, called " The Cottagers," 1788.'

The lady was

1789.

BROOKS,

(Mrs.)

maiden name

two

Watson, actress, her father lived in the county of Horfar, in North Britain, and by his adherence to the
Stuart

" Barbarossa," 17:^5, tragedies, and " Athelston," 1756 was born at
;

BROWNE;

(Dr.

JOHN)

author of

Rothbury,
berland.

in the

county of Northum-

family in

1715, forfeited his

in

property.

He

afterwards

and
tile

settled in
line.

London

married the mercanbusiness to died, leav-

University of after taking his degree of Batchelor of Arts, was ordained by the Bishop of Carlisle.

He was at die

Cambridge, and

He went on
where he

He remained

in obscurity at Carlisle

Jamaica
ing a

in 1763,

widow wiih six children, of whom, Mrs. Brooks is the joungest. Her mother gave her an education in

for several years, until the rebellion, 17 15, when he acted as a volunteer

at die siege of

a genteel school, and sent her to France to complete it. On her return, she became tutoress in a Nobleroan's family, and at the age of eighteen, married Mr. Brooks, a paper-hanging manufacturer, who be-

the Castle, and behaved with remarkable intrepidity. In 1749, he took the degree of M. A. Disappointments and vexation rendered him melancholy insane ; and, in his 51st year of his age, during an interval of deprivation of reason, he

cut

his throat,

Sept. 23, 1766.

actor,

came

bankrupt through misfortunes, which induced her to attempt the stage. Her first appearance was at the Haymarket in 1786, in Lady Townley, and her reception She insured her an engagement.
a

BROWNE, (Mr.)
said, at Edinburgh,

came,
Bath,

it is

from America.

He performed
&c.

Dublin,

played then in Dublin with some applause, and afterwards went to Edinburgh and Glasgow, where she

with much applause, and was engaged at the Haymarket Theatre in 1787, where he made lus first appearance in Hamlet.

BRLNTON, (JOHN)
Norwich, and

actor,

was
in

the son of an eminent soap-maker ot

was

the original Varico.

representative

of
a

was educated
city,

grammar
was

school of that

a then

BROWN. (ANTHONY)

member of the temple, and author of a damned tragedy, called " The Fatal Retirement," 1739. BROWN, (Mr.) actor, was much
esteemed
as a

under the care of the Rev. Mr. WilAt the ton, prebendary of Bristol.
expiration
of the

time allotted for

his studies, he was bound apprentice to a wholesale grocer at Nor-

comedian.

He was

manager of die Dublin theatre, having succeded Mr. Sheridan in 1759,

wich, with whom he served the usual term of seven years. He then married a Miss Friend, daughter of a

mercer

BR
mercer of that city. He went afterwards to London, and carried on business as a grocer and tea-dealer in Druiy Lane. During his residence here, he became acquainted with Mr. J. Younger, then prompter of Covent Garden Theatre, who, from some specimen which his friend gave of his theatrical abilities, first encouraged him to attempt the stage, and in the year 1774, prevailed upon him to appear for his benefit in the
character of Cyrus. During this season, also, he plaved Hamlet for the benefit of Mr. Kniveton. The encouragement he received, induced him to retire from business, and engage himself at the Theatre Royal
sister

BU
(See Merry, Mrs.) introduced her with a very elegant poetical address, which she recited with affecting sensibility.

BULLOCK,
He became
in

CHRISTOPHER

dramatist and actor, and whose father was esteemed a good performer.
joint manager with Mr. Keene, and another actor of the the-

atre,

Lincoln's-inn

Fields.

He

married in 1717, a natural daughter of the famous actor Mr. Wilkes, by Mrs. Rogers, an actress, who was likewise bred up to the stage. His dramatic are " The Wowritings

man's Revenge," " The

Norwich, where he was esteemed

the best actor that had ever appeared on that stage. He then received an engagement from Bath, where

Adven Slip," farce, 1715; turesof Half an Hour," farce, 1716 " The Cobler of Preston," farce, 1716
;

comedy, "

1715

" The Wo Perjuror," farce, 1717 man's a Riddle," comedy, 1718 and " The Traitor," tragedy, 1718

he continued

five years.

He became

He

died in 1724.
is

afterwards manager of the Norwich theatre; and. havinga numerous family, seven children, applied the fruits of his industry to their education.

(Mrs.) " The comedy, called

BURGESS,

author

of

Oaks;

or,

Beauties of Canterbury," 1780, several times acted in that city, where

BRUNTON, (Mi.) actor, and son of the preceding, was intended the law but, tempted by the success of his father, at the eaily age of eighteen, without the approbation of his friends, he joined a company on his return home, he at Lincoln,
for
;

shekeepsashoj>in

St.

George's Street.

assisted his father as leader of his band, for which he was well qualified. His inclination for the stage
still

dramatist, a privy counsellor, lieutenantgeneral in the army, colonel of the 4th regiment of foot, and M. P. for Preston. In 1774, he conducted the Fete Champetre, given by the Earl of Derby at the Oaks, June 9, which furnished the idea of his dramatic entertainment of the " Maid of the

BURGOYNE, (JOHN)

was

increasing,

he appeared, with

the approbation of his friends, on the stage in 1799, and met with considerable applause. His first ap-

Oaks." The scenery, which had been painted on purpose, cost 15001.

Norwich

pearance at Covent Garden was

in

The year following he wasordered on the service in America where, after various successes, he was cap;

Frederick, (Lovers' Vows) Sept. 22, 1890, after which, he performed Hamlet, Romeo, &c. but liis powers were not deemed adequate to those
parts.
tress,

BRUNTOV, (ELIZABETH) acmade her first appearance in London for her sister's benefit, in Miss Hoyden, (Man of duality), at Her Covent Garden about 1788. terrors for some time entirely deutterance her of but, by the encouragement of the audience, she collected her spirits, and went through the part with very promising vivacity. Her

prived

animated

returned from thence Dec. 11, His match with Lady Charhaving been an affair of at Preston, when contracted love, the general was a subaltern, was at first vehemently resented by the late Earl of Derby, her father, who vowed never to see him more. As time, however, unfolded the general's character, the earl became convinced that his daughter had married an accomplished and benevolent gentle1776.
lotte Stanley

He

tured, together with his whole army.

man. Lady Charlotte had, accordingly,

during

his

same stipend

lordship's life, the as her sisters, (3001. pet-

annum)

BU
annum),
and, at his death, the

BY
same
ladyship died In
his

legacy, (25,0001.)

Her

without issue, June 7, 1776. 1779, our author resigned all

were concealed by the united merits of die performers; and " Richard Cocur de Lion," musical entertainment, I78f>: in this he was
the piece
assisted by other authors.

emoluments to the amount of 35001. a year. His death, which happened in London, Aug. 4, 1792, was occasioned by a sudden attack of the gout he had been out, apparently an good health, the day before. He died richer in e.teem than in money ;
;

who was

BURTON, (Mr.) actor, was son of an old performer at Drury Lane, greatly befriended by Mrs.
He
supported
little

Abington.
part, at the

comic

Haymarket Theatre, and

actor of pantomime, has been a practiser and a visitor at many
particularly at

died a few seasons ago.

for in the saving or securing of that,

BYRNE,(Mr.^
dancer,

he had no talents. Besides the abovementioned drama, he produced an called " The Lord of the
opera Manor," 1781. which is spoken of with contempt in the Kiographia Dramatica. though superior to the ge-

&c.

from

his infancy,

provincial theatres,

comedy,

' nerality of optras. Also, "The Heiress, which met with 1785, much applause, though liable to much criticism, but the defects of

Richmond, where he has generally presided as ballad-master, and has been a hornpipe-dancer occasionally between the acts. He is the present Harlequin of Drury Lane Theatre, where he has produced some ballads, " Acueon and &c.
Diana,"

c.
CAMPBELL, (Miss)
ed
to

actress, belongMr. Stephen Kemble's company

dren, of whom, she was the eldest, when her generous patroness availed
herself of this opportunity of extending her liberality. Having now procured an engagement at Bath, she became such a favourite there that she soon received an offer from Mr.

Margale, &.'c. This ladymadeher appearance at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

at Newcastle,

and performed

at

Sept. 10, 1799, in Julia, (Surrender She was much alarmed at of Calais first ; but the repeated approbation of the audience dissipated her fears. She appeared the preceding sea.-on at
.

Harris, to whom she had before apShe, accordingly, enplied in vain.

gaged with the Covent Garden malated

Drury Lane Maniage).

in

Fanny, (Clandestine

WaUis, actress till married, when .-he she was retired from the sta^e. born at Richmond, in Yorkshire, and

CAMPBELL, (Mrs.) maiden name

nager at 181. per week for a stiputime at the expiration of which, 1797, she left the stage.
;

CAPELL, (EDWARD) commentator

on Shakspeare,
of
his

was

of the county

Suffolk,

a native and re-

performed on the stage, when a child, under Mr. Daly's management

in Dublin.

In
for

these

children's cha-

racters

she

in her name, she caricathe line Lady in ' Lethe." After thU six accompanied her father to different provincial theatres, where she soon improved, and fortunately met with trie kind patronage of a certain dignified character and his At this time her mother died, lady. and her father was left with eieht chil-

merit, and announced

discovered uncommon her father's benefit,

education at the school of St. Edmund's Bury. He was deputy of the plays, for which he inspector had a salary of '20X11. per annum. He brought out his Edition of Shaksceived
in 1768, ten volumes, small octavo, and, after his death, were " Notes," and various published his readings of Shakspeare. in 3 vols, Ho. 17s.;. He d.ed Jan. 24, 1781, and while he was 23 years engaged

peare

tured

in

collecting,

and

anticipated E 2

collating, compiling transcribing, his labours were the more active by

critics,

CA
critics,

C A
Liberty Chastised 5 Chains," burlesque, Jubilee," shakspeare's " Three Old Women masque, 1769; interlude. Weatherwise," 1770; " The Magic Girdle," burletta, 1770 ;
;

&c.

and

Steevens, Malone, Farmer, altered the play of Antony Cleopatra, as acted at Drury

opera, 1766

"

He

or, Patriotism in

1768

"

Lane,

in 1751.
(

CAREY,

HENRY

dramatist,

Geminiani. He taught at boarding He schools, and in private families. distinguished himself by the compoauthor the of of sition songs, being

was a musician by profession, having been first instructed by OlacisWesteinson Linnert, a German, afterwards by Roseingrave, and, lastly, by

" The
1770
;

Every

Man

Nut-Brown Maid," opera, " The Dupes of Fancy ; or, his Hobby," musical en-

tertainment, acted for a benefit at Several songs Drury Lane, 1792. which he has written have been to Mr. ascribed Dibdin, of falsely
as a writer, he speaks contemptuously though, it must be acknowledged, Mr. Dibdin, both as

both words and music

and was a

whom,

fortunate writer and composer for the stage ; his dramatic pieces,

though

trifling,

being humourous

Italian burlesques on tragedies, " viz : Hanging and operas, &c.

Marriage;

or,

Dead Mens Wedding,"

"

The Contrivances," farce, 1715 ; " Amelia," farce, with songs, 1715 ; " 1732 ; Teraminta," opera, opera, " 1732 ; Chrononholonthologos," mock tragedy, 1734 " Honest York" shiremen," farce, 1736 ; Dragon of Wantley," ballad opera, 1737 ; " Margery; or, A Worse Plague than the Dragon," ballad opera, 1738
;

dramatist and actor, has been more successful. He expected a pension on his father's account, who, it is said, was the author of the popular song of " God Save the King ;" but,

notwithstanding, his own and his father's merit, his hopes were disapHe was twice married pointed.

and

is now a widower. CARGILL, (Mrs.) maiden name

Brown,

"

"

Betty kins,"

or,

The Country Bumpfarce,

ballad
or,

1738

and
re-

actress, was eminent in the vocal line. She made her first appearance at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, and was afterwards engaged at Colman's Theatre. In

Nancy;

The Parting Lovers,"

musical interlude, 1739.

He was

1782, she

went

to

India

and was

markable for his low humour, which gained him the title of the facetious
Carey. In a fit of despair, occasioned, it is thought, by pecuniary embarrassments, he put a period to his existence, by means of a halter, Oct.
4,

remarkably successful in her theatrical excursion. She played all her favourite opera characters at immense prices, and likewise attempted tragedy with considerable apHer benefit at Bengal aplause.
to the astonishing sum of On her return home, 12,000 rupees. (1784) she was unfortunately lo.st with several other passengers on board the Nancy, East-In<lia packet. She was found on the rocks of Scilly

mounted

house in Warner 1755, at his Street, Cold-hath Fields. His character was irreproachable his humour
inoffensive,

and

his

writings void of

indecency.
dramatist, son of the preceding, was an actor for about one season at

CAREY, (GEORGE

SAVILLE)

floating in her shift,

and an

infant in

her arms:

Covent Garden Theatre but made no figure as a player, though his powers of imitation are reckoned considerable. He was bred a prin;

CARTER, (THOMAS) composer,

is a native of Ireland, where he was once an organist. When he came to England, he was employed in writing music for the " Rival Candidates,"

and havter, but declined business " Mimicry" ing written a lecture on visited all the chief country towns where he has delivered it with some success and profit. His dramatic works are " The lnoculator," petit " The c ledy, 1766 Cottagers,"
; ;

and "The Milesian," both after pieces which were performed with success at Drury Lane Theatre. He also music of Pilon's composed the " The Fair American," opera, called (see Pilon) and of a burletta (The Birth Day) for the Royalty Theatre,

when

C A
when
Mr. it was opened by Palmer. He is the author of several other compositions. His music has been in general approved of, but his merit, however great, has not provided him with a competency to
the late

CA
covered the art of these
but
in

firework

made considerable improvements

s,

He

guard against the difficulties of Life. is reckoned an excellent performer on the harpsichord and his memory is so remarkably retentive, that he never forgets any thing he composes. He can perform by rote, almostevery thing he hasever studied. His name has been often confounded with another Thomas Carter, lately deceased, who was also an eminent dramatic composer, but not of
;

His daughter likewise playt upon the musical glas-es ; and in order to assist her father's exhibition, which has met with considerable success throughout England, has attempted a theatrical entertainment Sola, in which she displayed much discovered original humour, and abilities peculiar to herself. She ha* been lately married. a celebrated actCATLEY, ( ANNE)

them.

pieces.

ress and singer, was born in the year 1745, of poor parents, her father being only a gentleman's coachman, and afterwards the keeper of a public-house near Norwood, known bj

CARTWRIGHT, (JOHN)

per-

the

name of" The Horns."

fifteen,

At the

former on the Musical Glasses, &c. is a native of England, and was under the tuition of a dancing master, for which profession, he was intendHe danced at the early age of ed.
five years before his present majesty

age of

being found to possess

some musical
an

talents, she was bound apprentice to Mr. Bates, a com-

in the

poser of some eminence, and resided house of his father. Her first

appearance
hall in the

at the Theatre Royal,

He
the

then
first

became a

Covent Garden. rider, and was

in

who

ever rode the horses

Paris, and the second who rode them in Dublin; but in consequence of an

injury sustained from a fall, (for he encountered the most dangerous positions) cise.

he discontinued

this

exer-

He studied the musical glasses at the age of fourteen, and is the only person who ever brought that harmony of all harmonies to perfection.
at Bath,
t

His

first

ance on them was

vc.

He
the

public performat Oxford, then played on them in

late

in public was at Vauxsummer of 1762 ; and on the 8th of October, in the same year, she appeared, for the first time, on the stage at Covent Garden, in the character of the Pastoral Nymph in " Comus." She was at this period remarkable for little more than the beauty of her person, and a diffidence in public, which she soon got In the next year she became rid of. the object of attention, from an application by her father on the 16th of May to the Court of King's Bench, for

an information against her master

Paris

before

Oueen

of

France ; and at Aberdeen, was presented with an elegant medal by the Northern Schooling Club, a society of the most distinguished characters, as a token of their high approbation. About 1775, he married the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Ward, of St. Catherine's, a most respectable family in Ireland, and, having a wonderful genius for mechanism, opened a fantocini in College Green, Dublin, far superior to any ever exthe inventor of hibited. Dilk-r, fireworks with inflammable air,having left Paris, some short time before the revolution in that country, joined Mr. Cartwright, who not only dis-

Bates, Sir Francis Delaval, and one Fraine, an attorney, charging them with a conspiracy : the first, in assigning her over to Sir Francis Delaval for the purpose of prostitution; and the last, for drawing the several deeds used on the occasion. It appeared by the affidavits that Sir Francis, while the lady lived with Mr. Bates the elder, had insinuated himself into her favour, and soon after a

negotiation

was

set

on

foot,

which

ended

the gallant paying Mr. in Bates 2001. and securing to him the benefit of an engagement he had made for her at Marybone Gardens the ensuing season. This transaction coming to the knowledge of her father, he causad the application to be

made

CA
the King's Bench ; in consequence of which the information was ordered to go against all the defendants, but probably ended in a
to

CE
brought up to the stage. His first appearance at Drury Lane was in
1765,
in

made

George

compromise, as no more was heard about it. That season she sung at Marybone Gardens, and at the end
of it went to Ireland, ai a salary of forty guineas per night. In 1770, she

was was

stiled the gentle

Barnwell. He Cautherley, and

the hero of the Dublin theatre about 1778.

CENTL1VRE,

(Mrs.

SUSANNA)

appeared again

at

Covent Garden,

years, much to her own and the manager's advantage. In 1773, she sung at the oratorios at Covent Garden, by which she added to her fortune more than her fame ; being, from certain neglects of decorum in her general line of acting, ill suited to the solemnity of such performances, and having to contend with the more chaste deportment of

and continued to perform a stated number of nights for manysucceeding

maiden name Freeman, dramatist, whose theatrical works commenced with the century, viz. " The Perjured Husband; or, Adventures of " Love's Venice," tragedy, 170 1 " The Contrivances," comedy, 1703
;
;

Beau's Duel

or,

Ladies," comedy, len Heiress ; or, Salamanca Doctor

Soldier for tha 1703 ; " The sto-

Mrs.

Sheridan at the rival theatre.

to

Being always attentive

in a course of years she

ceconomy,

had amassed

" The 1705 ; " The ter," comedy, Baset Table," comedy, 1706 " Love at a Venture," comedy, 1706 "The Platonic 1707 ; Lady," comedy, " The Busy Body," comedy, 1708; " The Man's Bewitched ; or, The Devil to Do About Her," comedy, "
Outwitted," comedy. 1704;

Game

1710;

a considerable fortune ; and when her attraction failed, she was enabled
to retire to independence. Her last performance was in 1784. She was, to use the words of a diurnal writer, of Thalia, the favour-

Work

BickerstafT's Wedding ; or, for the Upholders," farce,

" The favourite

ite of the

Marplot ; or, Second Body," comedy, Perplexed Lovers," " The Wonder a comedy, 1712;
about 1710
Part of
;

"

1711;

"

the Busy

The

Woman

fortune."

town, and the favourite of She is said to have been married to General Lascelles, at whose house, near Brentford, she
14,

ife," " The comedy, 1718; Artifice," comedy, 1721 and two farces never
;

1713; " 1717;

Keeps a Secret," comedy, " The Cruel Gift," tragedy,

Bold Stroke for a

\\

died, Oct.

1789.

CAULF1ELD, (Mr.) actor, has been sometime on Drury Lane and the Haymarket boards ; but was not much noticed till 1795, when, in conjunction with a few performers who engaged in an entertainment of songs, &c. during the last week in Lent, he gave imitations, which
met with
Colman,
of
his

acted. She was the daughter of a dissenter, and a zealous parliamentarian, who, at the time of the remuch persecuted. storation, was Her biographers relate some romantic stories of her, which are probably invented for the want of facts. They say she was twice a widow before she

so much applause, that Mr. in a prelude for the opening that

theatre

season,

intro-

duced a character, Apewell, in "New Hay at the Old Market," which gave
full

scope to

his

mimicry.

He

still

continues, occasionally, to give his imitations without losing the friendship of his imitated brethren, as they are generously delivered for dieir
benefit.

was married to Mr. Centime, (who was cook to her majesty). She attempted the stage, but without success. Her comedies boast of more plot and character, than wit or language; but these qualities were sufficient to insure success and some of them are still stockpieces. During the rehearsal of " The Busy Body,"
;

the actors dared to anticipate

its

con-

demnation; and Mr.

it
;

\\ ilks, even for a time, absolutely refused to play in

CAUTHERLEY,

(Mr.) actor, was

j

a supposed natural son of Mr. Garrick, by whom he was instructed and

but the success of the piece convinced the performers that they
of stage
effect.

were not always sure judges

CH
effect.

CH
modern comeher eountry and Great Britain, in 1775, by which her father lost a considerable property, and was obliged to commit his daughter to the care of a relation in Yorkshire. The lady finding her situation disagreeable, and resolving to be no longer a burthen to the family wherein she was placed, joined a theatrical company, and on her first appearance met with a flattering reception. It is said that she now gave her hand to one of the Thespian Corps, but the unkindness of her husband caused a separation ; and having quitted him, and joined another company at Chester, she retained her maiden name. Afterwards she played at Cheltenham, then at Margate, and was engaged by Mr. Harris, in 1788, for Covent Garden Theatre, where she made her first appearance in Yarico. Though her musical powers were but indifferent, her elegance
of person, ease of deportment, and of voice, insured her a favourable and she reception ; still holds a respectable situation in this and the Havmarket Theatre.
soft plaintiveness

Many

of our

dies, though inferior to this, are written in the same syle. Her comedy " A Bold Stroke for a Wife," also of

was equally condemned by the actors, and was as equally succe^sful. Mr.
self

Wilks not only declared that the piece would be damned, but she herbe damned for writing it. She died at Spring Gardens, Charing Cross, Dec. 1, 1725, aged about 45, and was buried in the parish of St.
Martin's in the Fields.

CERVETTO, ( -) an

extraordi-

nary character in the musical world, who came to England in the hard frost, being then an old man; and was engaged to play the bass at Drury Lane Theatre during Mr. Garrick's management. One evening, when Mr. Garrick was performing John Brute (Provoked Wife), while the drunkard was muttering and dozing till he falls asleep, the audience being most profoundly silent and attentive to the admirable performer, Cervetto, in the orchestra, uttered a very loud and immoderately lengthened yawn.

The moment Ganick was off the stage, he sent for the musician, and with considerable warmth reprimanded him for so ill-timed a symptom of somnolency; when, with great address, he reconciled the manager to him in a trice, by saying, with a
shrug,

CHAPMAN, '(Mrs.)
Brett, actress,

maiden name

"

but

me

much

please."

Me beg ten tousand pardon, always do so ven me am ver Cervetto was a con-

is the daughter of a musician and became a favourite at the Dublin Theatre, in 1793. She then went to Liverpool, &c. and was engaged by Mr. Harris, in 1798. Her

first

was

appearance
in

in

Covent Garden

Reel),

Moggy M'Gilpin (Highland November 1.

stant frequenter of the Orange Coffee-house, and was distinguished among the fiiends of the galleries by He died June the name of A'ootfy. His son is a 14, 1783, aged 103. celebrated violincello performer.

maiden name
est

CHARKE, (CHARLOTTE) actress,

Cib>x>\ was the youngdaughter of Colley Cibber, who

(Mr.) actor, was at Covent Garden was esteemed a good and Theatre, About 1786, he was Harlequin. engaged by Mr. Daly the Dublin ma-

CHALMERS,

some

years ago

was put to school at eight years old, and had an education more suitable to a boy than a girl. As ihe grew up she accordingly delighted in masculine amusements, shooting, hunting, Her actions were not riding, Arc.
only mischievous, but frequently attended with danger: this wildness,

nager, with whom he continued several seasons, performing in tra-

gedy, comedy, and pantomime. His wife was also on the stage, and died in Dublin, May, 179 .'.
1

(Miss) actress, is a she came over native of America to England in consequence of the
:

CHAPMAN,

however, was put some check to by her marriage, when very young, wiih Mr. Richard Charke an eminent performer on the violin ; but a disagreement between the parties afterwards occasioned a separation. Here-

upon

but as

hostilities

which broke out between

cessity.

she applied herself to the stage, much from inclination as neHer first character was

Mademoiselle

CH
Mademoiselle in the " Provoked Wife'', and from this she rose to " Alicia in Jane Shore" and Andromache in the " Distrest Wife ;' in all which she met with a favourable reception. She was then engaged on a good salary at the Haymarket, and after that at Drury Lane. She now enjoyed a comfortable situation, and was likely to have made no inglorious figure in theatric life, had not that
ungovernable impetuosity of temper, which ran through all her actions, induced her to quarrel with Fleetwood, the then manager, whom she not only left on a sudden without any previous notice, but even vented her spleen against him in public, " by a little dramatic farce, called The Art of Management ;" and though Fleetwood not only forgave that injury and restored hertoherformerslation, yet, by her own account, she ungratefully left him a second time, without any blame on his part. She then " like a poor stroller fretted her hours," enduring all the distresses of a wandering actress, and returned to

CH
at Bristol, Nov. 20, 1752, and educated at a charity school on St. Augustine's Back, where he was only

actaught reading, writing, and counts. At fourteen years of age, he was articled clerk to an attorney
at Bristol, with about three years.

whom he continued This young man, notwithstanding his education was thus confined, soon discovered an extraordinary genius. He left Bristol in 1770, disgusted with his profession,

and

came

to

London

in

his

hopes of deriving subsistence from pen. He wrote for several periodical publications,

"

and produced The Revenge," a burletta, for but, notwithMarybone Gardens

;

standing his wonderful exertions of genius, he was soon reduced to ex-

his life

treme indigence ; and urged by frequent disappointments, terminated with poison, Aug. 1770, aged
not quite 18.

He

left

unfinished, called

"The Dowager."
for Rowley's,

another play

The works, passed

;

have been tbe subject of much controver-

London
she says,

in 1755,

when
her

she published

a Narrative of

which that when she had thrown

Life, in

herself out of employment, she set up as grocer and oilwoman in Long

but it is the general opinion that sy Chatterton was the real author. However, he conducted the business with so much ingenuity, that he put it in no one's power to bear certain testimony either of his fraud or
veracity.

Acre ; but was robbed and cheated She then opened a by sharpers. Soon puppet-shew, which failed. after the death of Mr. Charke, she was arrested for a small sum, and procured her discharge by a subscription among the ladies who kept coffee-houses in and about Covent Garden.

CHERRY,
ite

comedian

in

(Mr.) actor, is a favourDublin, Manchester,

Bath, &c. where he is known by the familiar appellation of little Cherry. In 1798, lie played Drugget with Lewis's Sir Charles Racket, at the

became a performer among

Disguising her sex, she then the low-

est of actors, and afterwards engaged with a noble gentleman as valetde-chambre. She also made and sold sausages for tho support of herself and child, and this failing, became a waiter at the King's Head Tavern in Marybone. In short, she filled a variety of characters, and died April
6, 1760.

Theatre Royal, Manchester; when, in the quarrelling scene, Cherry observed" Egad, he looks as if he was going to eat me."" Eat you (repli!

ed Lewis,) yes damme, not make two bites of a

would
Cherry.''''

He
is

said to be " opera, called

is

the author of an

The Outcasts;
Dick,"

or,

Poor Bess and

occasionally benefit nights.

Little

performed

which on his

CHETWOOD, (WILLIAM RUFUS) prompter upwards of twenty and years to Drury Lane Theatre for some time kept a bookseller's in Covent Garden. shop Though no actor himself, yet, from being so conversant with the stage, he was ac;

The Tournament," JtLWa.," " interludes; Goddwyn," a play unfinished; and Poems supposed to have been written by Thomas Rowley in the Fifteenth Century, was born
thor of

CHATTERTON, (THOMAS) " "

au-

counted

CI
counted a good ; bv hiin the celebrated Mr. Barry was tutored, and likewise Mrs. Fitzhenry, afterwards a favourite actress in Dublin. By his first wife he
a daughter, who was educated His second wife was a grand-daughter of Mr. Colley CibIn 1760. he was a prisoner for ber. debt in Dublin, when a play was acted for his benefit, and, in an occa-

CI
thor
;

theatrical instructor

and

his

salary

was increased

had

for the stage.

him

sional address, it was mentioned, lhat his old pupil, Barry, had refused His death is suphis assistance.
to

He next distinguished himFondiewife (The Old Bacheafterwards in Sir lor), Novelty Fashion, in his own and first play " I ove-s Last Shift." His per1695. formance of the Fop was so great, that he was never thought to have his " The equal in those characters. Careless Husband," is reckoned the best comedy he ever produced; in which he perfotmed Lord Foppingto 20s.
self in

ton,

and Mrs.

Oldfield,

have taken place soon after. " The Stock Jobbers," a Eosed [e wrote " South Sea," a ; comedy, 1720 " The Lover's Opera," farce, 1720 1729 ; and the " Generous Freema;

Modish, 1704. By his play of The Nonjuror," 1717, he incurred the resentment of the enemies of government but was inconsequence there;

Lady Betty "

of

son,"

"

burlesque opera, 1731. His History of the Stage," has been

made poet laweat, in 1730 ; at which time he quitted the stage, though he occasionally appeared on
In tragedy-writing afterwards. he was unsuccessful, but his comedies, though chiefly borrowed from others, were in general well received. He collected and published his plays in two volumes 4to. His Muse and his Spouse, as he says himself, were
it

justly

censured for falsities. CIBBF.R, (COU.EY) dramatistand actor, was born in London ; his father

was
to

a native of Holstein,

who
;

England to follow his prowhich was that of a statuary and his mother was the daughter of William Colley, Esq. of an ancient At family of Gluston.in Rutland.
fession,

came

eleven years of age, he was sent to

the
free

equally prolific; for dom the mother of the same year, the the father of a play.

the one was sela child, but, in

school of

Lincolnshire, He years.

Grantham, in where he remained five was intended for the

other made him His chief enemy was Mr. Pope, who made him the hero of his " Dunciad ;" but Colley bore all his invectives with good

church; but instead of going to an university, he was obliged to take up arms in favour of the Prince of Orange, during the revolution, in J687. Soon after this he went on the stage, for which, he had conceived an early inclination but did not meet with much encouragement at first, his salary being only 10s. a week. Goodman, an old celebrated actor, having seen him play the Chaplain, in the " Orphan," declared, with an oath, that he would one day make a good actor which commendation filled Colley with no
;

humour, and was frequently revenged on

this

sublime poet by

his sallies

of mirth, especially as Pope's disposition was ill calculated to bear his jokes: but Cibber like the generality of successful dramatists, who are
chiefly
all

power

endebted to managerial fame, was jealous of authors he never encouraged young writers: for it was his
for their
rival

delight, according to his

own

"

phrase
It

to crush

those singing birds."

seems the first offence which Mr. Cibber gave Mr. Pope, was his introducing in thecharacter of Bays, "I he Rehearsal), an extemporary allusion to an unsuccessful piece, called " Three Hours after Mar-

His salary was now exultation. augmented to lis. In consequence of the indisposition of Kyneston,who
little

was to have played Lord Touchwood, (Double Dealer), he undertook that character at a day's notice, and performed it so well before Queen Mary, that he was highly eoinpLmented by Mr. Congreve, the au-

ed
'I

riage, in which Mr. Dr. Arburthnot,

I

'

Pope had assistand Mr. Gay.

he audience, by a roar of applause, approve of Gibber's wit, which was resented by Mr. Pope behind the scenes. Thjscelebtatcd Poet, having

ia

CI
in his Dunciad," attacked Cibber for libertinism, the actor retaliated, and did not a little chagri#i his satirist, by declaring that to him the public

CI
mortified mortals whom tys fell satyr has since fallen upon) observing he

"

had

were chiefly indebted for Mr. Pope's elegant translation of Homer, which he proved by the following story " As Mr. Pope has so particularly picked me out of the number of sinners to make an example of;
:
'

of his health he might, I, " pricked to it by foolish honesty and love," as Shakspeare says, without ceremony, threw open the door upon

staid as long as

without hazard

him, where

found

this little
tit,

hero, like a terrible torn

hasty pertly
!

why may

I not take the same liberty, and even single him out for another, to keep me in countenance? he must excuse me then, if, in what I

perching upon the mount of love But such was my surprize, that I of his heels, and fairly laid hold
actually

drew him down

his

safe

and

sound from

am

going to relate,
:

am

induced

who
the

to make bold with a little private but as he has shewn conversation no mercy to Coltey, why should so

danger. My Lord, in hopes tittering without, sweet mischief he came for

staid

would have been completed, upon

giving an account of the action within, began to curse, and call me

my

unprovoked an aggressor expect any

for himself;

and

if

1 cannot help it. He may remember then (or if he will not, 1 will) when Button's Coffee-house was

truth hurts him,

an hundred

silly

puppies,

for

my

imto

pertinently spoiling

the sport;

in vogue, and so long ago as when he had not translated above two or three book-i of Homer ; there was a late young nobleman (as much his Lord as mine) who had a good deal of wicked humour; and who, though he was fond of having wits in his company, was not so restrained by

which, with great gravity, 1 replied ; Pray, my Lord, consider what 1 have done was in regard to the honour of

our nation! for would you have had work as that of making Homer speak elegant English cut short, by laying up our little gentleso glorious a

he ioved his conscience, but that to laugh at any merry mischief he This noble wag, 1 could do them say, in his usual gayete de Cteur,

with another gentleman still in being, one evening slily seduced the celebrated Mr. Pope as a Wit, and myself as a laugher, to a certain house of carnal recreation, near the Hay-

of a malady, of which his thin body might never have been cured ? no, my Lord! Homer would have been too serious a sacrifice to our Now as his evening's merriment. Homer has since been so happily completed, who can say that the world may not have been obliged to
the kindly care of Colley that so great a work ever came to perfection "This ludicrous story occasioned several whimsical pamphlets, in which the actor and poet had each their advocates, The chief of these were " Letter to Mr. Cibber on his Letter to Mr Pope," " Homer
;

man

market
lick

where

his lordship's

fro-

sort of figure a man of his size, sobriety, and vigour (in verse) would make, when the frail fit of love had got into him ; in which he so far

proposed was, to slip his Utile. Homer; as he called him, at a girl of the game, that he might see what

succeeded, that the smirking damsel, who served us with tea, happened to have charms sufficient to tempt the little-tiny manhood of Mr. Pope into the next room with her at which, you may imagine, his
:

Preserved by Colleys Brazen Face ; or, The Twickenham Squire laid by the Heels,"" A Blast upon Bays ; or, A New Lick at the Laureat," " Blast upon Blast or, A New Lesson for Mr. P." " The Cudgel; or, A CrabTree Lecture to the Author of the
,

joy, lord-hip might happen within, as our small triend could probably be in possession of it: but I (forgive me all ye

was

in as

much

at

what

Dunciad," <fv;c. &c. all in 174-2. Cibber, however, having been remarkable for his veteran amours, justly deserved the poet's censure. He and another elderly gentleman, are said to have been sorely smitten with the charms of an actress, who

was

CI
was then
vogue at Covent Garden. They were the butt of the girl herself, and all the actors and actresses. Even a young lord, who
in great

CI
Mrs. Cibber*! couple into favour. first appearance as an actress was in " Zara," 173b, having been previously instructed by her father-in-law ;
so great was her success, that her was immediately doubled. But her husband, instead of reformstill continued his extravagance ; ing, and, for the purpose of taidng money to answer the thousand calls of prodigality, he basely resolved to make

made

his

addresses to the lady, look-

and

ed on Cibbcr's pretensions with such contempt, that on seeing him and

his brother rival

salary

dangling after her

into the green-room with bows and " Here comes Susanna smiles, said, (which was the lady's name) and the

two

eiders."

He

died Dec.

12.

1757,

a sacrifice

of

love and friendship.

for re-

CIBBER, (THEOPH1LUS) actor, and author of a comedy, called " The Lover," was son of the preceding, born in 1703, and sent to
Winchester School about 1716. He became actor at an early age, and with considerable advantages, as his His line father was then manager. of playing was similar to his father's and though he did not boast of equal excellence, yet he discovered much merit. Those natural imperfections which were so long the bars to Col;

He introduced a gentleman, whom he professed the greatest

gard, to the embraces of his wife, whose amiable and virtuous disposition had induced him to marry a second time. He saw them both put, as if by accident, in the same bed , and afterwards commenced a suit for his criminal conversation, laying damages at 50001. How the jury

looked upon
by their

this affair,

may

be seen

stood

ley Cibber's theatrical advancement, still more strongly in the son's

verdict, which only gave the plaintiff 10/. costs. From that time Mrs. Cibber discontinued living with an unworthy husband, and re-

way disgusting features, shrill voice,

and disagreeable
gave proofs of genius, and soon
;

person

still

he
at-

ta.ned a considerable share of public favour but, notwithstanding his success, his extravagance exposed him In 1757, he to continual distress. was engaged by Mr. Sheridan, manager of Smock-alley Theatre, Dubassist him in making a stand against a new rival theatre in CrowStreei ; but in his passage from
lin, to
ri

sided entirely witli this gentleman, whom she enjoyed that happiness which he had denied her. In 1745, Mrs. Cibber proposed playing Polly, (Beggar's Opera), three nights for the relief of the soldiers, then employed in the suppression The profits of of the rebellion. the three nights amounted to 600/.

with

Parkgate, he was wrecked, and pehed with all the other passen-

gers, ous,

who were extremely numerlie altered three lucres.

which sum was paid by Mr. Rich into the Chamber of London, for that purpose. Every comedian performed gratis, and the tallow-chandlers likewise gave the candle;. When Mr. Whitehead's comedy of " The School for lovers," was in

MARIA', CIBBER, (SUSANNA maiden name An;e, actress, wife

of
the preceding

was

daughter

ol

an eminent uphoUterei" in Cogent Garden, and sister to Dr. ThoniaAugustine Arne. Her tir^t appearance on the stage was as a singer;
her marriage with Theophilu*, then a widower, took place in 17. U, not with the approbation of old Colley, who had other views for his son but the amiable d-portment ol his
;

and the perpreparation, (17 formers assembled at Mr. Garnck's house with the author, it was suggested by some person present that the age of Celia, that character intended for Mrs. Cibber, which was
_'

sixteen, would be better altered i> two or three and twenty, and Mrs.

daughter-in-law,
i

and

the seeming the

Cibber's opinion was asked about i:. She was then reading her part with her spectacles on her nose, and after a little deliberation said,she liked the character better as it was. ,r.\ dei

lation of Theophilu.s, to forgive

him

and take

enduced young

sired

it might remain a- ;: She was at this time mere than

titty

F2

>ears

CL
years old

CL
whom she was introduced by Mr. Ashe, took her immediately under his tuition. Her first appearance at Bath was in a concert for the benefit of Mr. Ashe, where she met with so much applause, that the gentlemen of the catch-club engaged her for their concerts, and she continued to sing at them for the remainder of the season. Here she became such a favourite, that, though the season at Bath was now nearly expired, a concert for her benefit was proposed, which was so productive, that she was enabled to relieve the necessities of her family by a timely remittance. On her return to London, she was introduced to Mr. Harris, who not only engaged her for three years, but
zini, to

but the uncommon sym; metry and exact proportion in her form, enabled her to represent the part with all the juvenile appearance of the age marked by the author. She died Jan. 30, 1766, and was buried in the cloysters of Westminster Abbey, having one 'hild by the gentleman with whom she cohabited. Mr. Garrick, when the news of her death was brought, thus pronounced her eulogium.- " Then tragedy has expired with her, and yet she was the greatest female plague belonging to my house. I could verily parry
the artless thrusts, and despise the coarse language of some of my other heroines ; but whatever was Gibber's object, a new part, or a new dress, she was always sure to carry her point by the acuteness of her invention and the steadiness of her perseverance." She produced a piece of one act, taken from the French, called " The Oracle," 1752.

dissipated die natural fears of a

young

beginner, with generous encourage-

ment. Her first appearance at Covent Garden, being also her first ott
the stage, was in Clara, (Hertford Bridge , November 3, 1792, when she met with unanimous approbation. Her husband died in 1793, and she
1

CLENDIN1NG, (Mrs.) maiden name Arnold, actress, was born in

Wiltshire.

Her

father

was bred

in

died lately in great

is

distress.

the choir at

Salisbury, and being much approved of as a singer, was invited to a situation in the cathedral

CLINCH, (LAURENCE)

actor,

a native of Dublin. During Mr. Garrick's management he received

of Dublin
after he

but in

less

went over

than two years there, with his

he died, at the early age of family, The daughter, thus deprived of '20. an indulgent parent, was induced to try her vocal abilities at the Rotunda, where she met with unexpected enShe then married couragement. Mr. Clendining, a surgeon, who took her from her public situation. For about six years she applied herself to her domestic duties, when, urged by the embarrassments of her husband, she resolved again to court the favour of the public, and with this intenMrs. tion came over to London. Billington, with whom she had been
previously acquainted with in Dublin, gave her a kind invitation to her
;

an engagement at Drury Lane Theatre, where he made his appearance in Alexander the Great ; Garnck, repenting of the engagement, offered him some money to be off, which the other declined and, con;

sequently, the
racters

managergave him chawere disagreeable. He then went to Covent Garden, where his performance of Sir Lucir.s
which
O'Trigger, (The Rivals), so pleased the author, that he gave him a
rarce for his benefit, "
St.

Patrick's

or, The Scheming Lieutenant." then returned to Dublin, and became the hero of the In h stage. Having married a lady by whom he

Day;

He

house, and used every means to probut her cure her an engagement application to Drury Lane managers were slighted, her services at Covent Garden were not required, nor

was rendered mdependant, he performed when and on what terms he pleased and about 1780, disapproving of Mr. Daly's conduct, the then
;

was

Vauxhall!

there even a vacancy for her at By the advice of her

of Dublin, he declined playing a number of nights for which he had agreed. The manager took his usual method of complaint in the

manager

news-papers
daining a

but Mr. Clinch, dis-

friends she

went

to Bath,

when Rauz-

literary controversy with

him,

CL
him, never condescended to answer one of his repeated advertisements ; which, perhaps, was more mortification to him than the greatest abuse he could have bestowed. With his wife, however, his fortune died, and he was f course obliged to be more submissive to the manager's controul. He peforms in both tragedy and
i

CO
"

mour

;"

and

in 1763, another, called

Sketch of Fine Lady's Rout,''

April 24, 1769,

Lethe," were performed for her benefit, on which evening she retired from the stage, and passed the remainder of her life in ease and in-

"

" The Wonder," and

dependance; respected by the world, and beloved by a circle of friends.

In 1784, she visited the theatre to see the performance of Mrs. Siddons, and being asked her opinion of this
iady,

comedy.

CLIVE,

(CATHERINE) maiden
1711.

name

Raftor, actress, born in

Her father was a native of Kilkenny, and her mother tlie daughter of an eminent citizen on Fish Street Hill. Having been acquainted with a lady who was married to Theophilus Cibber, and by them encouraged to attempt the stage r she was recommended by Theophilus to his father, Cclley Cibber, who, when he heard her sing, engaged her at 20s. a week. Her first appearance was at Drury Lane Theatie, in Isinenes, a page,
(Mithridates), in 1728; afterwards she performed comic characters, and with so much success that her salary soon increased with her fame. In 1732, she was married to George Clive, a gentleman of the law, and brother to Baron Ciive ; but the parties were not long happy, as a seShe reparation soon followed.

answered

rusticity her, " That it was all truth and daylight." Mr. Garrick, it is said, dreaded an

with a

very forcibly, not unusual to

but

altercation with tilts actress, as much as a quarrel with an author whose

whenever he play he had rejected had a difference with Mrs. Clive, he was happy to make a drawn battle of it. This celebrated actress died Dec.
:

6,

1785.

COATS, (Mrs.) actress, was the heroine, of the Dublin theatre, and made her first appearance at Covent
in Clarinda, (Suspicious Husband), Sep. 20, 1797, when she was well received.

Garden,

born
the

dramatist, was in 1756, and was elected into secretary office, in the India House, in 1771. At the age of eigh-

COBB, (JAMES)

mained
still

for

some time

at

Drury Lane,
;

behaved with laudable fidelity to her employer by refusing to join the malcontents, who then, with young Cibber at their head, revolted from the aciing manager, and set up fur themselves in opposition to him at the
Hayrnarket.
In the

increasing in reputation

having

teen he wrote a prologue, which was spoken by Miss Pope ; and, by this lady's interest, procured an introduction to the theatre. His dramatic works are " The Elders," 1780; "The

Conn act," 1779; afterwards, called " The Female " The Captain," 1780 " Who'd Wedding Night," 1780;
;
;

summer

of 1741,

she performed at the Dublin Theatre. Jn 1743, she removed to Covent Garden, which she left the next year, in consequence of the manager's illtreatment, of which she published a complaint: but it appears that they

have Thought it.'" 1781; "Kensington Gardens The Walking or, " The Jockey," 1781; Humourist,"
1785

opera,
farce,

' The Strangers at Home," comic " The First 1785

;

these are farces

and

interludes.

1787

" Love

Floor."

in the East; or,

were soon reconciled, as .'-he shortly after appeared again at this theatre';
however, the next >ear (1745), she returned to Drury Lane. In 1750, she produced a farce for her own
benefit, called ''The Rehearsal; or. Ba\s in Petticoats,'' which w.is repeated twice on ihe same occasion. In 17<0, she produced another farce,

Adventures of Twelve Hour.,"c mic opera, 1788; ''The Doctor and Apothecary,'' musical farce,
179.';

"The

called " Every

Woman

in her

Hu-

Haunted Tower," comic opera, 1789 ; " The Siege of Belgrade," " Poor Old opera, 1791; Drury," " The occasional prelude, 1791 Algerine Slaves," altered from the " strangers Jt Home," musical enter" The tainment, 1792; Pirates,"
;

comic;

CO
; opera, Shepherdess entertainment, Cheapside," musical " Albert and

CO
of popery.
catholic it for some years. When she was only fourteen years of age, she wrote some verses, and sent them to Mr. Bevil Higgons, on his recovery from the small pox. She was only in her 17th year, when she produced a " tragedy, entitled Agnes de Castro,"

comic opera, 1792 ; "The Cherokee," " The 1794 of

1796;
;

She embraced the Roman religion, and continued in

condemned,

Adelaid ; or, Victim of Constancy," " Ramah romance, 1798 Droog ; or, Wine does Wonders," comic opera and " Paul and Virginia," 1798 musical entertainment, i799. There are but five of these pieces pub;

lished.

maiden name

COCKBURN,(Mrs. CATHERINE)

Trotter, dramatist in the beginning of the century, having written four tragedies " Agnes de " Fatal " The Castro," Friendship,"

which was acted with applause. She addressed some verses to Mr. Con" greve on his Mourning Bride," which gave rise to an acquaintance between her and that celebrated " FaHer entitled writer.
tal

The RePenitent," and volution of Sweden ;" also a comedy " Love at a called Loss; or, Most

Unhappy

"

tragedy, Friendship," was performed at

Lincoln's Inn Fields,

the theatre in

Votes carry it," 1701. She was born in London, Aug. 16, 1679. Her father was a native of Scotland, and a commander in the royal navy, in the Her mother, reign of Charles II.

with great applause. Several comsent to plimentary verses were this her on producing tragedy, and prefixed to it when printed ;

and

Mr. George Farquhar was so

whose maiden name was Balleden, was nearly related to the noble lord of that name, and to the illustrious families of Maitland

much pleased with it, that he sent her his first comedy, called, " Love and a Bottle," with a complimentary
letter.

On

the death of Mr. Dryden,

Duke

of

Lauderdale, and Drummond Earl of She had the misfortune to Perth. lose her father when very young, an event which also reduced her mother to narrow circumstances. She gave early evidences of genius, and was
yet in her childhood, when she surprised a company of her relations and fiiends wiih some extemporary verses on an incident that excited her attention. By her own application, without any instructor, she learned to write, and also made herself mistress of the French language. But she had some assistance in the study of the Latin Grammar and Logic ; and of the latter she drew up an She was abstract for her own use.

1701, our poetess joined with several other ladies, in paying a Their just tribute to his memory.
in

performances were published together in that year, under the

title of,

"The

nine Muses; or, Poems written by so many ladies, upon the death of the late famous John Dryden, Esq.'' The same year she also brought upon the stage her comedy, " Love at a
Loss; or. Most Votes carry it." It at the Theatre Royal, and published, with a dedication to lady Piers, wife of Sir George Piers, an officer of considerable rank under the

was acted

Duke

of

Marlborough.

educated in the protesiant religion, but having an early intimacy with

several

a literary taste, and was parfond of poetry, had contracted a great friendship for Mr-. CockBut this comedy, on account burn. of her absence from London while it
ticularly
in the press, was so incorrectly printed, that she would gladly have

who had

That lady,

was

Roman

Catholic families of

distinction, she was led, when very young, to form strong prejudices in favour of Popery. She had some conference, on the subjects in dis-

suppressed the edition,

easily practicable
;

if it had been and many years

the Papists,with several learned members of the church of England; but they were unsuccessful in their attempts to convince her of the errors

pute

between the protestants and

after she revised the piece, and made great alterations in it, having some thoughts of bringing it again on the " The of title stage, under the honourable Deceivers or. Ail right
;

at the Last."

But

never effected.

this design In 1701, " The

was

Un-

happy

CO
happy Penitent," was performed
at

CO
for

the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. It was printed, with a dedication to Lord Halifax, in which she expressed her doubt-., whether love was a proper subject for tragedy ; as it appeared to her not to be a passion sufficiently noble or sublime for that To this tragedy species of writing. some complimentary verses were prefixed, written by her friend lady Piers. In 1706, her tragedy called ' lhe Revolution of Sweden," was acted at the Queen's 1 heatre in the

some time in London. They were afterwards settled at Nayland ;

but did not long continue at that

Mr. Cockburn place, removing thence to be curate of St. Dunstan's church in Fleet Street. In this situation he remained till the accession of King George the First, when entertaining some doubts about taking the oath of abjuration, though he always prayed for the king and royal family by name, he was obliged to quit his curacy; and for the ten or twelve following years, he was reduced to
great difficulties in
sistence
for his family.

The play is founded llaymarket. upon the revolution in Sweden under Gustavus
F.nckson.

procuring subDuring that

She

had

for some time begun to entertain doubts concerning the Romish which led her into a religion ; thorough examination of the grounds of it, by consulting the best books on

now

period, he was employed in instructing the youth of an academy, in Chancery Lane, in the Latin tongue. But in 1726, by consulting the Lord-

Chancellor King, and

his

own

father,

both sides of the <,uestion, and conversing with persons of the best judgment, both papists and protestants, among-t her acquaintance. The result of her enquiries was, a full conviction of the falseness of the pretensions of the Romish church,

and

a return to the communion of This imthe church of Lngland. portant change in her sentiments took place in 1707 ; and she continued a firm protestant during the remainder of her life. A considerable part of the summer of the year 1707, was spent by Miss Trotter at OckhamMills, near Ripley, in the county of Surry. During her retirement there, Mr. Fenn, a young clergyman of an excellent character, who was accidentally in the neighbourhood on a
to his relations, received such impressions from her company and conversation, as inspired him with a
visit

the meaning and intent of the oath of abjuration, and by reading some papers which were put into his hands upon the subject, he was at In length reconciled to taking it. consequence of this, being the followinvited minister of to be the ing year episcopal congregation at Aberdeen in Scotland, he qualified himself conand on the day formably to the law of King George the Second's accession, he preached there a sermon on

upon

the duty and benefit of praying for the government. Soon after his settlementat Aberdeen, the Lord-Chancellor King presented him to the living of Long Ilorsely, near Mor-

peth, in Northumberland, in order to enable him the better to support

and educate his family. With this view, he was permitted to continue
to discharge the duties of hit function at Aberdeen, till the negligence

and

ill-behaviour

of

the

passion for her, which he soon after discovered to her by a letter. But she had previously engaged in a
friend-hip,
letters,

whom

curates,

he employed at Long Ilorsely, occasioned Dr. Chandler, Bishop of Durham, to call him to residence

with

and correspondence byand Mr. Cockburn

;

on that

living, in 1737

which obliged

their friendship terminated in a marMr. Cockriage, in the year 170S. burn had taken orders in the church of Finland but a short time bef( re his marriage ; ancisoon after that event, he had the donative of Nayland in Hi- immediately repaired Suffolk.
lliither,

him lo quit his station at Aberdeen, whereby his income was considerably lessened.

her

but Mrs. Cockburn continued

Mrs. Cockburn, after marriage, was almo-t entirely prevented from any application to her studies, for many years, in consequence of her dose attention to the duties of a wife, and of a mother. To the ordinary cares of an increasing

CO
those resulting from the straitened circumso that she stances of her husband

CO
Mr. Collier therefore procured a lease of the house from the
pulsion.
;

ing family,

were added

had little time for reading;, being almost wholly occupied in her domestic duties. She lost her husband on
the 4th of January, 1743-9, in the seventy-first year of his t>o;e; and this was so severe a shock to her, that she did not long survive him, She died on the 11th of May, 1749, in her 7 1st
year, after having long supported a painful disorder, with the utmost patience and resignation. Her me-

landlords of it, and, armed with this authority, took the advantage of a rejoicing night, Nov. 22, when, with a hired rabble, he broke into the premises, and dispossessed the former

owner. His scheme, however, was not attended with the desired success.

The

profits of the season were small, and by no means a compensation for the trouble, risk and expense, which he had been at, in seating himself on

mory and understanding continued

within a few days of unimpaired, her death. She was interred, near her husband and youngest daughter, at Long Horsely, witli this short sen(ill

the theatrical sharers at the

throne.

The

joint

tence on their tomb

" Let

their

praise them in the gates." In her younger xxxt. 31. Mrs. Cockburn was much celeyears, brated for her beauty, as well as for

works

Haymarket having acquired both fame and money, he therefore meditated an exchange of theatres wiih them, which, by his influence at court, he soon effected. The authority which he obtained in the opera-house, he afterward farmed
to Aaron Hill, Esq. for 6001. per but, before the season exthe pired, resumed management again into his own hands. Envious of the new flourishing state of

Prov.

annum;

was

her genius, and other accomplishments. She was small of stature, but distinguished by the unusual vivacity of her eyes, and the delicacy of her complexion, which continued to her death.

Drury

Lane, he grew again dissatisfied with his station, and proposed once more to return to the stage he had aban-

COFFEY, (CHARLES) alterer of plays, &c. was a native of Ireland. His alterations of Jevons's farce of the " Devil of a wife," called by him, " The Devil to Pay," having met with
applause, he altered several other pieces; but not with equal success,
as most of them were justly damned. He was exceedingly deformed, but always was ready to admit of, and very frequently joined in railling against himself: as a proof of which he

doned. His influence at court supported him still in his caprices, and his name was joined with Wilks.Dogget, and Cibber. Having rendered his share a sinecure, he agreed to accepta certain sum annually in lieu of all claims. On the death of Queen Anne, Sir Richard Steele's name was
inserted instead of Collier's, in the new licence, with those of VV ilks, Cibber,

and Booth.
actor,

performed /Lsop
n Dublin.

for his

own

benefit,

He

died March

13, 174.5.

COLLIER, (WILLIAM) manager,

in the beginning of the century, was a barrister and member of parliament, who, by his convivial qualities, had acquired the favour of several

public with an entertainment written by himself, called " Colltns's Brush for Rubbing off Care," &c. consisting of songs, theatrical anecdotes, &c, was born at Bath, and bred up to the busi-

COLLINS, (JOHN) who latterly gratified the

and

Observing people the distracted state of the stage, in the hands of Mr. Rich, he applied for, and obtained, a licence to take the management of the company left The late patentee, at Drury Lane. who still continued in the theatre, though without the power of using it, was not to be removed without com-

then in power.

is

ness of a stay-maker. He is now resident at Birmingham, where he concerned in a newspaper. His essavs are known by the signature of Brush.

COLMAN, (GEORGE) dramatist, Esq. resident atthecourtof the great Duke of Tuscany, at Pi 3 a, by a sister of the late Countess of Bath. His father died abroad in 1733. The son received
was son of Thomas Colman,
hi;

c o
his

c o
action aga;iist Mr. Astley for performing a burletta, " The called Enraged Musician," at
riding house; but Hogarth'* picture, on which it was founded, wat a subject free for any writer. At (hi* time the peralysis seized his brain, and the melancholy consequence wai
his

education at Westminster School,

He commenced an

tiom whence he removed to Christ Church College, Oxford, and took the degree of M. A. in 1758. He then went to Lincoln's Inn, and was
called to the bar ; but, obtaining a handsome fortune by the death of the Earl of Bath, anil General Pulteney, he quitted the law, and devoted his attention to dramatic writIn 1768, he became one of the ing. patentees of Covent Garden Theatre, and continued in the management thereof until 1775, when he sold his share of it to the other partners.

Jn 1777, he became proprietor of the Flaymarket Theatre upon veryadvantageous terms: having agreed to give Mr. Foote so much per season during
year.
life,

the loss of senses. On this occasion, the younger Colman officiated in his. place ; and, struggling between the duties of manager and son, divided his time in the interest of the theatre, and attention to a parent : to promote the former, he was obliged to prove the insanity of his father, which enabled him to set aside such

engagements

as were an incumbrance to the house. Mr. Colman died in

who

During Mr. Colman's management of die little theatre, he brought forward Mr. Kdwin, Mr. Henderson, and Miss Farren, now Countess of Derby. His dramatic works are " Polly " The 1760

died die succeeding the first season of

1794, having been manager of the Haymarket Theatre seventeen years, and of Covent Garden seven. Hit first and last dramatic productions were one-act pieces.

COLMAN, (GEORGE)

dramatist,

Honejcombe,"

farce,

' The Jealous Wife," comedy, 1761 Musicai Lady," farce, 1762; " The is in Deuce Him," farce, 1763; Fain Tale." 1761; ' The Clandestine Marriage," comedy, 1766 -Mr. Gar;

"A

son of the preceding, was intended for the bar, and, after his education at V\ estminster and Oxford, was entered accordingly into the temple but being a chip of the old block, as his
:

" The Merchant," comedy, 1767 Oxonian in Town,'' farce, 1768 ; " Man and Wife," comedy, 1769 ;
;

rick assisted

in

this;

" The

English

father announced him in a prologue to his first play, like his father he quitted the law for the muses. In 1784, he married Miss Morris at Gret-

" The 1773 Portrait," burletta, The Fairy Piince," masque, 1771 " Occasional 177'2 Achil'
:

;
;

na Green, and was publicly married to Church in her at Chelsea 1788. His dramatic works are " Two to One," comedy, with songs,
17S4; "Turk and no Turk." ditto, 1785 ; " Inkle and Yarico," comic " Ways and Means," opera, 1787 " The Battle of Hexcomedy, 178S; ham," musical drama, 1789 ; " The
;

Prelude,"

les in Petticoats" opera, 177-1

" The

" The

Man

of Business,"
; ;

Spleen 1776 New Brooms," " The prelude, 1776 Spanisli Barber," comedy, with songs, 1777; " The Suicide," comedy, 1778; " Separate Maintenance," comedv, " The 1779; manager in Distress," " Pieludio," 1781; prelude, 1780
interlude,
; ;

1774; or, Islington Spa," "

comedy,

Surrender of Calais," ditto, 1791 ; " Poor Old Haymarket; or, Two Sides of die Gutter," prelude, 1792;
'

'

of Managers," pre" I't lude, 1784; pectura Poesis; or, The F-nraged Music, an," burletta, 1789. Besides these, he altered seveFlection
ral
''

The

pieces, " Comus," " " Fatal fuEpecana," " '

riosity,"

Philaster,"

"

Bonduca,'

ma. 1793 " New Hay at the Old Market." prelude, 1795 afterwards " called Sylvester Daggerwood ;" " The Iron Chest," musical drama, This was first performed at 1796. Drury Lane Theatre without success, the cau;e of which is ascril^ed by the
;

The Mountaineers,'' musical dra;

kc.
plays,

He
and

Tit for Tat,' Folly," aKn translated Terence*!

assisted l'cnudtcal

works

author, in a preface (omitted in the edition of 1798), to mis-management. It wjs afterwards brought out by tl e author at his own theatre with suc-

cess

CO
cess.

CO
general. He was second in command under the Marquis of Granby, in Germany, and was in several actions, in

or.

Law," comedy, 1797 " Blue Beard ; Female Curiosity," musical enter;

He also produced " The Heir at

tainment, 1798 ; "Blue Devils," comic piece, translated from the French, " Feudal 1798; Times; or the Banquet Gallery,"musical entertainment. " The Review 1799; or, Wags at Windsor," musical- entertainment, " The Poor 1800; and Gentleman," He has written comedy, 1801.
;

which his acknowledged skill and bravery were the subjects of general His civil appointments encomium. have been, one of the grooms of the bed-chamber to the late king, and
to the present until April 1764,

when
hav-

he was removed, both from ment and the bed-chamber,

his regi-

for

several songs for pieces, prologues, epilogues, and occasional addresses ; among which is " Briti-h Loyalty ; or, Squeeze at St. Paul's," spoken by Mr. J Bannister, at the Haymarket Theatre, 1782. To him several pieces have been indebted for considerable

emendations ; and, during his management, he has ever preserved the friendship and good wishes of his

company.

CONWAY,
duced "
at

(Rt.

Hon.

HENRY

SEYMOUR) author of a comedy proDrury Lane, 1789, called It had been previously performed at Richmond House. The characters by the Earl of Derby, Capt. Merry, Capt Howarth, Lord Henry Fitzgerald, Mrs. Damer, Miss Hamilton, Mrs. Bruce, and Miss Campbell. This gentleman is the second son of Lord Conway,
False Appearances."

ing voted against the then ministers. A little time after the appointment of Lord Townshend, lord-lieutenant of Ireland, 1767, he succeeded his lordship as lieutenant-general of the ordnance, and resigned his post of creIn February 1768, he tary of state. was appointed colonel of the fourth regiment of dragoons. In October, 1774, he was appointed colonel of the royal regiment of horse-guards, which had been commanded by the late Marquis of Granby ; and in 1772, he was made governor of Jersey, upon the death of the late Lord Albemarle. In 1782, he was appointed com-

mander

in chief of the forces. He the author of some prologues, &c.

is

COOKE, (GEORGE FREDERICK)

actor, was born in Dublin, 1756, his father being a subaltern in one of the regiments that composed the then

and brother to the Earl of Hertford. In 1741, he was elected a member of the Irish parliament, for the county of Antrim ; and in the same year was elected a member also in the
British

garrison.

He was brought to London

his infancy, and, when seven years old, was sent to school in the North if England. Here he remain-

during

He was chosen member

parliament for Higham Ferrers.

of the

House

of Commons in both kingdoms, in several parliaments. In 1711, he was a captain-lieutenant in the with the rank of lieutenantguards, colonel. In 1746, he was aid-deof to the Duke Cumberland. camp In December 1747, he married the Countess of Aylesbury, widow of the late Lord Aylesbury, and sister to the present Duke of Argyle. In 1749, he was appointed colonel of the 48th. In 1751, he was made colonel of the thirteenth regiment of dragoons, and resigned the 48th and in 17.59. colonel of the first regiment of dragoons. In 1756, he was made a major-general ; in 1759,
:

ed about eight years; during which time, he imbibed a passion for the Hi> first theatrical attempt stage. was in a private play with his schoolwhen he performed Horatio fellows, being obliged to resign Hamtet, the character he de-ired, to a senior boy; but his triumph was ample compensation for his disappointment, as Horatio that night ran away with all the applause from Hamlet. In 1771,

he went to sea, and afterwards was put to a business but when he became his own master, he indulged
;

his

inclination,

and made

his

first

Castalio,

appearance on a public stage in (The Orphan), at the Haymarket Theatre, for the benefit of
Mrs. Massey, with so much success, he resolved to make it his profes-

that

a lieutenant-general; and in 1772, a

sion.

Accordingly he joined a provincial

CO
company, and, having acquired a competent knowledge of stage
business,
vincial

CO
-

became

the hero at York,

Newcastle, Chester, Liverpool, &c. &c.

In

Manchester, 1794, he

was engaged by Mr. Daly, the then Dublin manager, where he performed a season with such considerable
success, that

he repeated

his visit in

Jealousy," 1701 ; and a farce, entitled " The Metamorphoses," 1704. He was born at Barnstable in Devonshire, descended from an ancient He was intendfamily in Cornwall. ed for the law, and therefore became a member of New Inn ; but having a theatrical turn, and preferring the oratory of the stage, to that of the
bar, he soon turned player, and continued an actor for twenty years, to the time of his death, which happened about 1721. His voice was

1797, and remained three years with the new manager, Mr. Jones. Having then received an engagement

from Mr. Harris, he made his first appearance at Covent Garden Theatre, Oct. 31, 1800, in King Richard 111, which he repeated several
nights, with so

bad, and

he was esteemed

much

success, that the

manager increased his salary, and His gave him an early benefit.
Shylock, Sir Archy M'Sarcasm, lago, Kitely, Sir Giles Overreach, Macbeth, &c. have given muchsatisfaction.This actor, during his theatrical career, ha- experienced both the frowns and smiles of fortune ; he is consequently soon conquered by the Tuscan grape; and, it has often happened, that when he has been announced to perform, he has been invited to dinner by supposed friends, who have taken the unpardonable advantage of his

but ; a just speaker. (Mr.) actor, established his fame as a comedian at the Theatre Royal Dublin, under the
his

person diminutive

CORNELYS,

management of Mr. Daly, where he was the first who played the character of Lingo, (Agreeable Surprise', in which he was so much approved, that several in Dublin attempted the His wife part afterwards in vain. was also an actress, and engaged by Mr. Ryder at Crow Street, (in opposition to Mr. Daly of Smock-alley) where she made her first appearance in Lady Teazle, (School for Scandal) ; but, from the then distracted situation of this theatre, she was soon glad to join the other company, and pert. irm as second to Mrs. Daly. She produced a comedy for her benefit, called

made him His wife is also on the and has performed at Ba'.h, Bristol, &c. In consequence of a separation, she has lately resumed her maiden name, Daniels. COOPER, (Mr.) actor, was the
weakness, and, Ia^o-like,
a Cassio!
sta^e,

" The Deceptions," which was acted

son of a surgeon
tabli lied in

who

lived well es-

but once. On the death of the celebrated Mr. Edwin, Mr. Corneiys applied to Mr. Colman, and, obtaining a conditional engagement, made his
rir-t

liis profession at Harrow the Mill; but, having quitted this situation, went to India, where he died. 11 is son received a liberal edu-

appearance

at the

Haymarket
;

in

on

cation, and was advised on account of the ui-tre-t situation of his family.

to

attempt tiie stage. Having acquired some practice at provincial theatres, he ma ie his fir-t appearance at Covent Garden in the chaAs he was racter of Hamlet. 1795. known to have had a friend in Mr. Holcroft, whoe pupil he was represent to have been, the prims of opposition were extravagant in their
i

but the favouritecharacter, 1791 impression which Mr. Edwin had left upon the English, by his representation of Lingo, was by no means favourable to Mr. Corneiys' performance of it here, though so highly He reapproved of by the Irish. pealed the character a few ni^h -, and afterwards pei famed others, M lingo, kc. with more applause; but iii- engagement expired with the season; and he complained, that to the ill-nature of critics he
his

was indebted

newspaper

for his dismission.

praises while those of the other suit were in the contrary extreme. CORKY, [JOHN) actor, and author of a comedy, called " Cure fur

(Mr.) actor, was educated at Dr. Barrow's academy, in Soho Square, and afterward- articled to Mr. White, solicitor to the treasury ; but

CORY,

CO
but having Imbibed a strong desire for the stage, he quitted the study of the law, commenced actor in the
country, and becoming a favourite
at Manchester, Cheltenham, &c. was engaged at Drury Lane Theatre,

CO
comedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1780. This had a run of " The upwards of twenty nights. School for Eloquence," an interlude, acted at Drury Lane, for Mr. Brere-

gem,"

ton's
to

where he made

his first

appearance

in Reginald (Castle Spectre), 1798, with success. He has been an occasional substitute for Mr Barrymore, in Bluebeard, for Mr. Kemble, in

COWLEY, (Mr=.) maiden name Park/muse, dramatist ; her father was a native of Tiverton, in Devonshire, descended in the female line from He was the family of Mr. Gay. originally designed for the church; but, on the death of patrons, or some other disappointment, he commenced bookseller in the place of his naIt was in this situation probably, and from a father so qualified, that Miss Parkhouse had an opportunity of receiving, like her great

Kolla, &c, and has proved himself an useful performer. Dissatisfied with his situation at Drury Lane, it is supposed he will soon exhibit at Covent Garden as a vocal performer.

at Covent Garden, 17*2 ; " Bold Stroke fora Husband," comedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1783 ; " More Ways than One," comedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1783 ; " A School for Grey Beards," comedy, " The acted at Lane, 1786

as it Goes; or, A Trip Montpelier." a comedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1781. This piece was unfavourably received, which occasioned its being altered, and again brought forward under the title of " Second Thoughts are best," 1781. and was again unfavourably receivNeither of these are published. ed. " Which is the Man?" act-

" The World

benefit,

1780,

not

printed

comedy,

ed

Drury

tivity.

namesake,

as

recorded by Mr. John-

Fate of Sparta," tragedy, acted at The poetical Drury Lane, 1781. of " Delia Crusca," correspondence and " Anna Matilda," engrossed so much of the public attention, the utmost ingenuity was exerted to remove the veil of mystery from
those two charming writers, who actually formed, in this late age, a

son, the kernel without the husk of About the year 1772, she learning. married Mr. Cowley, in the service of the East-India Company at Benof gal, and brother to Mr. Cowley Cateaton Street, by whom she has
It was not until several children. the year 1776, that Mrs. Cowley appeared as a dramatic wiiter. At the conclusion of Mr. Garrick's manage-

new

school for poetry, which

must

reign,

and

will

have

its

disciples, as

It long as the language endures. was at length confidently whispered, ihatthe " Anna Matilda," was Mrs. " Cowley, and the Delia Crusca," Mr. Merry; and what was very extraor-

ment,

" The Runaway"

was

per-

dinary, it appeared that they were personally total strangers to each other,

formed, and was the last drama received before his relinqui-hing the stage both as a performer and manaTo this comedy, which was ger. acted with great success, he contriand the recepan buted epilogue tion, the piece met with, encouraged oar dramatist to continue Iter exerShe then protions f x the stage.
;

though equallv struck with admiration. CRAWFORD, (Mr.) actor, was a barrister but declined the profession of the law for the stage, and
;

made
at the

his first theatrical

appearance

same time

that Mr. Daly, after-

acted at Drury Lane, 1779; " Albina," tragedy, 1779. In bringing forward this tragedy, which was acted at tlte Haymarket, she met with considerable difficulties ; and, in her
site

duced " Who's

the

Dupe"'

farce,

preface, complains of the treatment ' received. The Belle's strata-

wards manager of Dublin, made his; but not meeting with the success he expected on London boards, he reto Dublin, and having marpaire ried the widow of the famous Barry, for the sake of his wife he was engaged by Mr. Ryder. He soon left the theatre abruptly, on account of a piece of oeconomy which he practised on his benefit night, that provoked
1

he indignation

of

both the performers

CR
The farce formers and audience. was'' High Life below Stairs," and, instead of a supper, he provided wond/a fowls, and other mock dishes. Mr. G. Dawson, who played one of
the servants, finding the fowl so very tough that hecould not possibly carve it, "showed it to the audience, who
their conimmediately expressed The supper was kicked tempt. about, and the curtain fell. Notwithstanding Mr. Ryder, on this occasion, was very satirical on Mr. Crawford, yet soon after the lattei , not only returned to his theatre, but became a partner in the management of it: such was, however, its detracted state, that Mr. Ryder left it all to him-

CR
she
her, as she grew up, object of general attachment, she was about seventeen years of age, she was particularly noticed by a young gentleman of very extensive fortune, and the brother of a. noble lord, who was then at Bath. From seeing her only in the rooms, he was so struck with her manner, that he contrived to drink tea with her at a third person's house. Here herconversation established what her exterior charms had begun; and, after a few visits to the house, he formally asked permission of the father to become his son-in-law. So advanfilled,

made

an

When

ed by

and went over to Mr. Dal), while Mr. Crawford supported it as long as he could. His wife, however, would never appear on the stage till she was paid ; and her husband was frequently obliged to send deto, and collect the money she manded from the door-keepers. The band likewise mutinied, and the poor manager, one night that he was to perform Othello, there being
self,

tageous an offer was readily embracall parties the parent was flattered with the idea of noble connectionsthe daughter with ingrossing the object of her affections. Whilst things were in this train of maturation, an unexpected letter arrived, advising the lover of the death of an uncle in London, which required his immediate attendance. He unwillingly obeyed, after having

pledged
return.

his affections

for his instant

no musicians
to play
fully

in the orchestra, offered

on the violin himself between the arts, which proposal being cheeraccepted by the audience, he played that night the double part of

But the air of London soon dissipated his vows. whilst theamiable object of them, after waiting two months, in expectation of hearing from him, had nothing but sighs and painful recollections to comfort her.

Moor and
ances
in

Fiddler,

and

his

perform-

The chagrin
this

she

was thrown

into

on

the orchestra was more applauded than that on the stage. The distracted state of the theatre soon obliged him to throw up the

management and
;

separation after-

wards took place between him and

his wife.

account, so visibly impaired her it was thought a Iviseable by her physicians to go into the A near relation in Yorkcountry. shire made an offer of his house, which was accepted and. as people
health, that
;

CRAWFORD.

an born at Bah, eminent apothecary in that town who, preferring temporary gratifica;

(Mrs.) actress, the daughter of

was

usually run from one extreme to another, she entered at first with fictitious vivacity into every species of amusement, till by degrees she caught the sprightliness of the place, and perfectly

tture prospects of his family, gave into a'.l the expences of so. that, tint 'fashionable place;
tions to

the

recovered

her

spirits.

county,

though
it

his profession was extensive, was at lea-t balanced by his expen-es. This lady, from her childh >od, amidst many promising quali-

the amusements of the Yorkshire playhou-e, the which was only distant a few miles from where she resided, was not overl oked. Here she got acquaint-

Amongst

fications, expressed a warm prefertheatrical amusements, for ence which, joined to a figure pleasingly feminine, great natural sweetness of

ed with Mr. Dancer; and whether it w.is from the irresistible impulse she had of appearing on the stage, (as
is

temper, and

t'ue

fashionable station

g -nerally thought to be the case),or the desire of banishing, by these means, the dear ingrate, who might have still fluttered

CR
heart; or any particular penchant she had for Mr. Dancer, she, after a little time, married him. Her relations on the first news of this were inconsolable. Their very great affection for her, aided by the pride of family, determined them
fluttered about her

CR
himself in a bed-chamber adjoining. The husbami assailed the door, and threatened destruction to the parties, whilst the other as resolutely defended the pass. However, the door

was
his

at length broke open; but, whether from seeing the partner of

en seeking every opportunity to prevent her disgracing them by her appearance on the stage. To this purpose they first prevailed in dislodging them from York ; and, as their diligence did not stop here, wherever the unfortunate couple went, they found themselves precluded from the benefits of their profession, by an order from the magistrates. In this dilemma they turned their thoughts

heart in distress, or the fears of

meeting the contents of a pistol, which his antagonist held in opposition to his, he quietly conducted her out of the room, placed her in a postThis chaise, and drove to town.
anecdote fed, for a while, half the tea-ta ties about that capital with scandal. All the little caricaturepainters were at work, and every newspaper produced a fresh pun or epigram. On the night after her arrival in town, she played Sylvia, in the
Recruiting Officer, where Melinda's salutation to her on her appearance " Welcome to is, town, cousin Sylvia."

on Ireland,

as a climate

more favour-

able for them to enjoy the fruits of their talents : Here then they shaped their course ; and, Mr. Barry and Mr. Woodward having at that time opened Crow Street Theatre, they readily got admittance at genteel

The house instantly found out the allusion, and bestowed on it all that
applause usually given on these ocSoon after this event, her casions. husband died, and left her in the possession of every thing but money. She had youth, beauty, and great theatrical merit; nor were the gallant world insensible of them. She had imny amorous tenders; amongst
the rest, one from a Right Hon. Earlj who offered her a carte blanche ; but these offers were rejected with conThe Irish Roscius (Mr. tempt. Barry) had secured her heart ; and, like a second Stella, she sucked in the poison of love by the vehicle of From this period we find tuition. her rising to the top of her profession. Her proximity to the manager secured her all the capital parts ; besides, she received such instructions from him in private rehearsal, that in a little time she added all his fire to

Mrs. Dancer had played in York a few nights before they were interrupted and it was then thought, by the best judges about that country, that she would one day turn out a
salaries.
;

great acquisition to the stage.

first

Her

this

appearance in Dublin confirmed opinion ; and she every night

that nothing but the want of experience was against her. There was a dancer on ihe Dublin stage, who, from the intimacy he had with our heroine and her husband, proposed taking an excursion into the country with the former, and another lady, for a few days ; to which the She had been husband consented. away but the second day, when it was the husband's into rung ear, by some

shewed

malicious person, that they went off together. Finding his honour so closely concerned, he instantly pursued them, and, at a little village about twenty miles from town, got intelligence that they were at the Here he lost sight of principal inn. his prudence, and rushing into the house, demanded his wife ; who, with the other lady and gentleman, were drinking tea in the dining-room, and,

her own softness. Mr. Barry, in the year 1766, finding the management of the Irish theatres not turning out to his expectation, rented them on very advantageous terms to Mr. Mossop, and set out for London, where he had a summer engagement with

alarmed
for

at his threats,

threw herself

the gentleman, protection on who imprudently locked her up with

Mr. Foote, at the opera-house, in the Haymarket. Othello, a part almost forgotten since Ouin's time, was

now much

wished

for by the

public.

Mr.

CR
Mr. Garrick, it is true, had played it twice, but whether from not liking the part, or not willing to risque an already secured reputation, he had Mr. for many years declined it.
Barry's appearance, therefore, in this character, drew crouded audiences ; and whilst the critics allowed him all
I
|

C R
Afterwards he belonged to the York company ; but latterlyemployed himself in teaching elocution, and reading lectures. He died at Kensington,
Jan. 18, 1792.

due
ing

mona

it.

praise, Mrs Barry, in Desde(a part, previous to her playconsidered as trifling) was re-

CRISP, (HENRY) was author of a " tragedy, called Virginia," 1754. He belonged to the Custom House. CROSS, (Mr.) was prompter to
actress,

Drury Lane Theatre ; his wife was an and belonged to the company.

ceived

equal compliment: but, when she afterwards appeared in Belvidera, Rutland, Monimia, &c. in Lady Townly, Beain tragedy ; her trice, and Rosalind, in comedy

with

He

died in 1759.

CROSS,

(JAMES

C.)

dramatist,

theatrical character rose superior to claimed admiration it criticism

saw them.

novelty, and such a one as this sagacious manager thought could not be He therefore purchased too dearly engaged them at Drury Lane, where,
:

season our English Roscius Mr. Barry was formerly his antagonist in the tented field, therefore he knew the full extent of but Mrs. Barry was a his powers

During

this

and formerly actor at Covent Garden and Colman's Theatre his wife was on the stage ; and soon after her death, he married Miss Jones, daughter of the proprietor of the Royal Circus, by which means he became a sharer of that house ; to which he now devotes the produce of his pen.

His first step, as a dramatic author, in writing a dialogue for the introduction of some of Dibdin's then

was

during the course of three seasons, Mrs. Barry gave such repeated proofs of her excellent performance, as indubitably ranked her the first actress on the English, perhaps on the European, stage. Her first appearance, after the death of her husband, was in Lady Randolph, when she spoke an occasional address, said to be written by Mr. Garrick. On her third marriage with Mr. Crawford, she performed in Dublin ; but frequently with such indifference, that she could only be said to wait through her character ; but on Mrs. Siddons's en-

popular songs, which entertainment was called " The Diverti-ement," He afterwards produced the 1790. " The following dramatic trifles, Purse; or Benevolent Tar," 1794; " Brit'sh and Hibernian Fortitude, or, An Escape from Friendship " France," 1791'; Naples Bay; or, The British Sailors at Anchor," 1794 ; " The musicalentertain;

ment
to

two acts, 1794; " The Way " The Unmarried," 1796; Charity Boy," two acts, unsuccessful, " The 1796; and Raft; or, Both Sides of the Water," 1798. He produced some pantomimes with Mr. Farley's assistance; and one which he
of

Apparition,'

get

gagement at the rival theatre, she was awakened by emulation, and played
Belvedera, Isabella, &c. against that

brought out with success at the Circu-, " Blackbeard," was repeated at Covent Garden without success,

The critics ware divided in lady. their opinions ; but it was generally thought that, though probably inferior to Mrs. Siddons in the terrific, shewas certainly superior in the pathetic.

CROUCH,
Phillips,

(Mrs.)

maiden

name

actress,

daughter of an at-

torney lately deceased: havtngdisplayticled to

Her

last

appearance

in

London was

at Covent Garden. 1797 ; but time, alas: had destroyed those powers

ed great powers of voice, she was arMr. Linley for a certain number of years. Her first appearance was at Drury Lane, Mandane(Artaxerxes),
1781,

when

for her

she was much admired vocal abilities. She visited

wiih which

we were once

delighted

CRESWICK,(Mr.)wasformerlyan
actor, and 1761, performed the character of Beau Mordecai, (love A -lamode), at the T. R. Covent Garden.

succeeding season, and there became a favourite. On her return to London she married Mr. Crouch of the navy; and, during the

Dublin the

summer

seasons,

performed

at

all
tl-.e

cu
the respectable provincial theatres with increased reputation. On Mr. Linley's death she received further instructions from Mr. Kelly, and is now such a competent mistress of music, that she has herself brought forward several pupils of merit.

c u
succession of dramas, some with considerable, and others with slight approbation. It is not only as a writer that Mr Cumberland has figured. About 1780, he was sent to negociate with the Crown of Spain, though without a public character ; and, it is reported, that his embassy would have been successful, but for the capture of the East and West India fleet, which inspired the Spaniards with

CUBITT, (Mr.)
at

formerly actor;

at Vauxhall, first, he was a singer and then he performed in operas at Having obtained an Dublin, &c. engagement at Covent Garden, he became more eminent as an actor

more confidence than they had before possessed.

in that

During

his

residence

th3n

singer,

in

Ruffians,

Jailers,

Afterwards he returned to the musical line, by performing on the violin in the orches-

Highwaymen, &c.

kingdom, he collected Anecdotes, which he published, of Eminent Painters. If fame may be relied
on, Mr. Cumberland had no obligation either to the justice or generosity of his employers ; having been neglected by them in a manner hardly consistent with the honour of the nation. On his return to England, he again turned his attention to the stage, in which line he had heretofore been so successful, and in which he has the powers to become a formidable rival to the ablest of our Some of his present dramatists.
bantlings, through premature birdi, have had but a short existence ; but his lietrary offspring have thrived in

tra.

(Mrs.) actress, was the daughter of a gentleman of fortune, and was educated by a relation of his at St. James's Palace. She came out at Covent Garden Theatre,and afterwards played at the Haymarket.

CUYLER,

dramatist, is the son of Dr. Cumberland, Bishop of Kilmore in Ireland, by Joanna, youngest daughter of the celebrated Dr. Bentley, (a lady on whom the well known pastoral of Phebe, by Dr. Byron, printed in the Spectator, was written ) and grandson to the learned Bishop of Peterborough. He received his education at Trinity College, Cambridge, where
his

CUMBERLAND,

(RICHARD)

general

maternal grandfather had

pre-

In 175 1 , he had taken the desided, gree of Bachelor of Arts there, and wrote some verses on the Prince of Wales's death. Relinquishing an

1765 ; " Amelia," comedy, with songs, " The 1768; Brothers," opera, " The West 1769 ; Indian," comedy, " The Fashionable comedy, 1771 ; " The Note Lover," comedy, 1772;
of
leric

viz,

" The Summer Tale,"

The ChoHand," farce, 1774; " The Man," comedy, 1775

;

"

academic life, he obtained a place at the board of trade, but was not known as an author until the year
published the "Banishof Cicero," a tragedy, which had been refused by Mr. Garrick. An interval of four years from this time elapsed before the appearance " Sumof his first acted play, the
1761,

"

Battle of Hastings," tragedy, 1778;

Widow of Delphis," comedy, with " The songs, acted 1780 ; Walloons,"
The Carmelite," tragedy, 1784 j "The Natural Son," comedy, 1785; " The Arab," tragedy, acted 1785 ; " The Country Attorney," comedy, and afteiwards with acted, 1787;
the
title
; ;

Calypso" opera,

1779

" The

when he

ment

" The comedy, acted 1782 ; Mysterious Husband," tragedy, 1783 ; "

mer's Tale," and four more between and " The Brothers," both performed at Covent Garden Theatre, In and the latter with applause. 1771, a reconciliation between him and Mr. Garrirk having taken place, he produced, at Drury Lane, his best dramatic piece, " The West Indian," and since that period has exhibited a
rhat

of "

1789 1789

" The "

The School

for Widows,"

Garden,

Impostors" comedy, Prelude," acted at Covent " The 1792

;

The Box Lobopera, acted 1793; " The by Challenge," comedy,"1794 The Wheel Jew," comedy, 1794; " Fir.-t of Fortune," comedy, 1795 ;
;

"

Armourer,"

Love,"

cu
Days of Love," comedy, 1795 ; " The Yore," musical drama, 1796 ; Dependent," comedy, condemned, Don 1796;" Pedro," comedy, 1796; " The Last of the Family," comedy, " False 1797; Impressions," comedy, 1797; "The Eccentric Lover,"come" A Word for Nature," dy, 1798; " Joanna," comedy, acted 1798 ; romance, founded on a MS. of KotHe is the supposed zcbue, 1799.
author of others, besides alterations. He wrote "The Princess of Parma," " The tragedy, and (as supposed)
Elders," farce, performed at a private theatre, Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, October, 1778.

cu
"
tionate brother, who was tlten an eminent statuary in Ireland, urged his reiurn, and offered him an asylum in his house : but a state of dependence was of all others the most re-

CUNNINGHAM, (JOHN)
and author
of a farce,

actor
at

him ; and, what he had adopted from choice, he to persist in from After having experienced necessity. various vicissitudes in the North of England, he became a performer at Edinburgh theatre, then under the direction of Mr. Love, 1761. The fame he now acquired was more conspicuous as a poet than an actor ; and, by the advice of his friends, he repaired from Edinburgh to London in hopes of obtaining a more comfortpugnant
to
originally

was now obliged

Dublin in 1747, called " Love in a Mist," produced at the early age of He was born in the year 1729, 17, in Dublin, where his father, an eminent wine merchant, and his mother (both of whom were of Scotch paHe was the youngest rents) resided. son, and, at twelve years old, began to exhibit specimens of his poetical which are still admired. powers, Having obtained free admission to the theare, in consequence of his little drama, he became disgusted with the business of a tradesman, and imbibed a strong inclination for the stage, though scarcely possessing a
single requisite for the profession of His figure was totally actor. against him, cither for tragedy or however, he was genteel comedy tolerable in the petit maitre cast, and met with some success in the mock

performed

able, as well as a subsistence in the

more

respectable
letters;

world of

an

where he earned

but these hopes were baffled by the failure of the bookseller, by whom he was to be employed. lie, moreover, found that scandal, and political altercation, had at this time totally engrossed the attention of the and. public; scorning to prostitute his abilities for the sake oi gain, he left London in disgust, and returned At this time hastily to Scotland. Mr. Digges was manager cf the Edinburgh theatre, and behaved with uncommon respect and kindness to Mr. Cunningham, who continued under that gentleman's management until he quitted Scotland. He then returned to Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
a
scanty, but,
to

him, a sufficient subsistence ; and, notwithstanding his humble situation in life, he was esteemed by the most

in.

French character, which he delighted Without the consent or even

who

respectable characters in the country, afforded him their support and

protection.

knowledge of his friends, he applied for an appearance, and secretly left his family, and embarked for England, where he commenced itinerant player, experiencing all the rubs and distresses of a strolling life. He soon became sensible of his imprudence
;

Though he was advised

a long

to try again his success in London, he rejected every solicitation of the

kind,

and died of

rooted dis-

order

turn to

ould summon
obey the

but pride prevented his rehis parents; and, before he

resolution enough to calls of duty, he received intelligence that his father had become insolvent, which was soon tol-

Sept. 18, 1773. He was buried in St. John's Churchyard, Newcastle. CUSSANS, (Mr.) has been an occasional actor characters of k.w humour, bin seems never to have

in his nerves, a lingering illness,

which brought on

had

lowed by thestillmoredism.il mws i'f lus death. However, an affec-

engagement at any theatre ; his flighty disposition being lil calculated for study and regularity. He was a member oi the law, and
11

a j^-imancnt

possessed

DA
possessed of a considerable fortune, which he spent at present he has a

DA
He has mounted an ass, and rode so many miles a day for his diversion
it into his head to be and would the most interesting answer only questions with nods and signs; but when once resolved to indulge his

decent income, which was left him by a relation, and which is regularly paid to him, according to the directions of the will, at half a guinea per day. His whimsical adventures are so truly romantic and ridiculous, that they exceed credibility. He has frequently, disguised, sung ballads in the streetshe has turned waiter,

he has taken

silent for a limited time,

tongue he
acted,
for

roared,

has talked, he has sung, ranted, and played

!

and served voluntarily for three months in a public-house, in which occupation he has behaved with all the due submission of a servant.

Notwithall these eccentricities, he is by no means deficient in understanding, for, when he pleases, he can evince much rationality and learn-

whole hours together

standing

ing.

D.
DAIX, (Miss) actress, and whose father was manyyears a scene painter She was a pupil at Covent Garden. of Mr. Mazzinghi, and made her first appearance in an oratorio. After
singing several times in public, she

works, as well as of several songs and other elegant additions of his own. He was born at Deane, in Cumberland, in
1709.

He had

his school-

education at Lowther, in Westmoreland, and thence was removed at sixteen to Queen's College in Oxford.

was brought forward at Covent Garden Theatre in the opera of the

When

he had taken

his

first

Woodman," owing, it is said, to the inability of a lady who had been

previously engaged for the character, and whose place she supplied with only one rehearsal, and that on the day of her appearance. This part she performed '23 nights, and played, the same season, Rosetta, (Love in a Village), and Eliza, (Flitch of Bacon). On Mrs.Billington's return to Covent GardenTheatre, the following season Miss Dall went to York, where she assisted the subscription concerts but generously returned to perform
;

*'

degrees, he

became

tutor to Lord

Beauchamp, only son of Algernon Seymore, Earl of Hertford, then Duke of Somerset. Soon after, succeeding to a fellowship in his college, he entered into holy orders, and was noticed as an able preacher in the He died in 1763. He university. rendered Milton's masque a very
acceptable present to the public, and it still continues a favourite dramatic entertainment, under the title of

"

for
all

Mr. Munden's benefit, declining emolument, in a new opera, (Just

BiUington's then

in Time), as Mrs.

numerous

ntw character. her from In this piece she rendered the author considerable service, (Mr. Hurlstone) as the manager was induced, from the approbation it met with, to restudying a

engagements prevented

Comus," having been set to music by Dr. Arne. Besides this, it had the advantage of being at first performed by Mr. Q.uin in the character of Comus, and by Mrs. Cibber in that of the lady. During the run of this piece, Dalton industriously sought out a grand-daughter of Milton's, oppressed both by age and penury, and procured her a benefit from this play; the profits of which, it is said,
amounted
to

peat

it

for the house.

upwards of

DALTON, (JOHN, ed Milton's " Masque

D. D.) adaptat

DALY, (RICHARD)

1201. late manager

Ludlow

Castle," to the stage, by a judicious insertion of several songs and passages selected from others of Milton's

of the Dublin theatre, and formerly actor. He is of a respectable Irish family, and finished his education at lie came Trinity College, Dubl;u.

to

DA
to enter the temple, but finding his remittances inadequate to his expences, he attempted the stage contrary to the advice of his friends, and, returning to Dublin, engaged with Mr. Ryder the then manager of to

DA
ferior
in

London

" The Covent Garden Son-in-Law," &c. The only piece

to
;

Crow Street Theatre, where

his

he

made

appearance in Lord Townly, (The Provoked Husband), Lady Townly, by Mrs. Lyster, then a widow, and celebrated as an actress in the comic line, whom Mr. Daly, after a short courtship, married ; and secretly applied to Dr. Wilson, the proprietor of Smock-alley Theatre, for the use of that house to perform plays. Mr. Ryder at this time was in possession of that theatre which had been for some years shut up, and was much out of repair; but having been considerably in the proprietors' debt for

which his rival had the advantage, was Pilon's speaking pantomime of " The Touchstone ;" but his opposition being too powerful, he soon added to his company the manager in distress, Mr. Ryder, by which means Future the theatre became royal.
opponentsstarted, but were too weak for a contention. The most formidable was Giordani's English operahouse, in Capel Street, which, had it continued, might probably have shut up the other. In the summer, Mr. Daly had the best performers from London, and the after season (as it

was
tive.

called)

the late

was generally producDuring the administration. of Duke of Rutland, a riot took

&c. he was induced to relinhis claim, not dreaming of the intended opposition, on Dr. Wilson's proposal of exoneratinghim from the money that was due. Mr. Daly had also secretly engaged the best performers that were then to be had ;
rent,

quish

place at the theatre, (the lord lieutenant having been there), occasioned by a political party ; when Mr. Daly, by his conduct, so ingratiated himself with government, that a bill was passed for depriving the lord mayor
of the
all

power of

licensing theatres, by
to defiance

which means Mr. Daly put

future

and, having obtained the desired possession of Smock-alley house, announced his intention, and, by permission of die Lord Mayor, opened bis city theatre with all possible expedition, with a new occasional prelude, called " Smock-alley Secrets ; or, The Manager Worried," written by Mr. Lefanue, a gentleman of Dublin ; the principal characters by Mr. Daly, Mr. Moss, and Mrs. Daly the play was the " West Indian," Belcour, Mr. Daly; Stockwell, Mr. Mitchel ; Major O'Flaherty, Mr. Owenson ; Varland, Mr. Moss ; Charlotte Rustport, Mrs. Daly ; Louisa Dudley, Mrs. Sparks; \x. and the entertainment "The Seraglio:" RoxBesides the above, alana, Mrs. Daly.
his

came
in

opposition.

He

then be;

sole theatrical
:

monarch

and,

such a situation, naturally incurred the ill-will of many but, to his great aNtonishment, he found a serious rival in Mr. Astley, who opened a theatre in Peter Street, where he gave dramatic tritles, pantomimes, &c.

He endeavoured
;

to stop this

oppoant

nent's progress

but found be had

unexpected power forhis exhibition ; and, as Mr. Daly's popularity had

decreased, Astley's theatre became the fashionable place of entertainment. This was succeeded by another more formidable opposition: the theatre in FLhamble Street, was opened as a private one, by subscription; the most distinguished characters in Dublin had joined in the undertaking, for
their

company

consisted

of

Messrs.

Kcinble, Grist, Swindall, Young, Mrs. Melmoth, Mrs. and Miss Hitchcock, &c. Mr. Daly, as a manager, now displayed considerable spirit and

judgment he got up the most celebrated new as soon as they pieces,

were
larly

established in

" The Belles Stratagem," which

a

London, particu-

own amusement. They also engaged actresses, particularly the present Mrs. Pope, Mrs. Coats, Miss Gough, Sec. and, as no money for admission was taken, the house was, of course, the most filled with fashionable company. Mr. Daly had,
in

considerable run, and was repre : ented with magnificence not in-

had

some decree, triumphed at this time, over Mr. Astley for his performances of II 2
farces,

which belonged
to

DA
to the theatre, for which he recovered some damages ; but the private subscription theatre was his greatest On the death of his mortification. wife, he deemed it adviseable to retire from the cares and fatigue of

DA
Ireland, Galway, county brought out two tragedies at the Theatre Royal, Dublin, viz. " Love and Ambition," 1732, and " The Orphan of Venice."

of

in

and

management, whenever an opportunity offered ; accordingly, he made an excellent bargain with Capt. Jones, who had superintended the Fishamble Street theatricals, and seceded at a time (1797) when the state of Iiish affairs was exceedingly against the interest of a Dublin theAs an actor Mr. Daly succeedatre.

D'ARCY, (Mr.) singer, (whose real name is Caird, but, by transposing

the letters,
traction)

and changing the 1 into Y, was supposed to be of foreign exmade his first appearance at the Haymarket Theatre in Capt. Greville, (The Flitch of Bacon), June
23, 1798.

He had been

for

some

howed, being on his own boards ever, impartial criticism must say, his tragedy was contemptible ; but,
:

in light parts of comedy, he was tolerable. It is no wonder, in the situation of a manager, that he should meet

with occasional abuse and slander

every manager must experience this, for no manager should submit to the

whims and
he had
friends
;

caprices of his

company
had
is

his

enemies; he

his

but theatrical enmity

well

known
lousy,

to proceed from secret jeaand theatrical friendship, from secret interest: if Mr. Daly's con-

time instructed by Mr. Kelly, and had practised a little in the country. DARLEY, (Mr.) singer was bred a buckle-maker, in Birmingham ; but, induced by the compliments he received for his vocal abilities, to become a public singer, he courted the favour of that town, first at their Vauxhall, then at theirtheatre. After which he became a chorus-singer at Covent Garden ; and, on the departure of Mr. C. Bannister from that theatre, performed the first-rate characters, in which he acquitted himself with credit. DAVENPORT, (Mr.) actor, has

duct could not always be defended, his biographer will be bold to say, that it was not always justly represented and, as a manager, he has to boast, that he has done more than any of his predecessors ever did, for, after upwards of seventeen years management, he has retired with a
;

been on the stage for some time, and assisted Mr. Daly the first season
of his

management

in

Dublin.

In

and his wife received an engagement at Covent Garden, and Mrs, Davenport being deemed the best substitute for the late Mrs. Webb, they were also engaged at the
1795, he

for himself and family, while his superiors, as actors, Sheridan. Barry, Mossop, Woodward, Ryder, &c. had been unfortunate Mr. Daly reas Dublin managers. ceived for his patent 1000/. per annum annuity, and 100/. per annum for each of his children after his death. His wife, whose maiden name was Barsanti, appeared at the T. R. Covent Garden, in a prelude written by the late Mr. Colman fortlie purpose, 1772. She was of an Italian family, and

handsome provision

summer theatre. DAVIES, (THOMAS) author

dramatic Miscellanies, &c.
actor
;

of

was an

under

the

management

Henry Fielding, and presentative of young Wilmot. He " Fatal Cuplayed in the tragedy of riosity," at the Haymarket, in 1736. Afterwards he commenced bookselin Duke's Court but met with misfortunes which induced him to return again to the stage. For several years he belonged to variouscompaniesat York, Dublin, &c. At the ler
;

of the original re-

scholar of Dr. Burney

and displayed

very poweiful talents by imitating Italian and Knghsh singers. On the secession of Mr. Colman from the manage-

former place he married (he daughter of a Mr. Yarrow, an actor then

belonging to the York theatre. He returned to London in 1752, when he and Mrs. Davies were engaged
at

ment

of

that theatre, in

1777, she
in the

spoke an occasional epilogue. DARCY, (JAMES) was born

Drury

several years,

Lane lieatre and, for were in good estima'1

;

tion

DA
tion with the town, -though he fell under tlie ridicule of -Churchill's Rosciad. quitted the stage in 1762, and returned to his former business,

DA
the roll-call,

he

greatly delighted with the

appeared

to

be

He

having opened another bookseller's shop in Russel Street, Covent Garden. DA VIES, (Mr.) actor, is supposed to be a native of London, where he has spent the greater part of his youth. He was bred a stone-mason but, desirous of theatrical fame,
;

fifes ; bur, not content with hearing them, he borrowed one, and very soon picked out several tunes, and played them decently. After this he gathered a

biller

quantity of, what the people call, it is tubular, and grows in ;

marshy grounds

with

this biller

he

made
and

several imitations of the fife, sold them to his school-fellows.

commenced

actor in

the country,

When between four and

Norwich, Portsmouth, &c. Having acquired some reputation, as a provincial singer, he obtained an engagement at Drury Lane, where he made
his first

worth, (Maid of the Mill), and afterwards performed with chearfulness which was given him. every character He then removed to Covent Garden, and became also a member of Col-

appearance in Lord

Aim-

five years of age, his ear was so very correct, that he could an easy tune after once play or twice hearing it. Before he was quite six years old, a neighbouring; smith, into whose house he used frequently to run, lost between twentjr and thirty horseshoes : diligent search

was made after them for many days ; but to no purpose. Soon after, the smith heard some musical sounds
which seemed to come from the upper part of the house ; and, having listened a sufficient time to be convinced that his ears did not deceive
him, he went up stairs, where he discovered the young musician, and his property between the ceiling of the' thatched roof. He had selected eight horse-shoes out of more than to form a twenty, complete octave; had suspended each of them by a
single cord, clear from the wall, and, with a small iron rod, was amusing

man's company,

in the

Haymarket,

appearing, as occasion required, in tragedy, comedy, opera, farce, or pantomime. There have been, and are several performers of this name.

DAVY, (JOHN) composer, was born in the parish of Upton Hilion, about eight milesfrom Exeter. When about three years of age lie came
room where his uncle was playing over a psalm tune on the violincello, and, the moment he heard the instrument, he ran away crying, and was so terrified that he was expected In the course of to fall into tits. some weeks, his uncle repeatedly tried to reconcile him to the instruinto a

himself by imitating Crediton chimes ; which he did wilh great exactness. This story being made public, and

ment, which
a

at last

great deal

he effected, after of coaxing, by taking

the child's fingers, and

strike the strings,

led

him
so

but, in a
that

making him which at first startfew days, he befond

of the ac-

came

pas>ionately

amusement,

he took every opbetter

quaintance with this monster, who in the hands of his keeper, had dreadfully frightened him with his tremendous noise. Within a short time, by a little attention, he tinned the notes of this frightful animal to notes of joy. At this time there was a company of soldiers quartered at Crediton, a town about a mile from
Hilion
:

portunity of scraping a

genius for music encreasing hourly, a neighbouring clergyman, of considerable rank in the church, who patronized him, showed him a harpsichord, which he soon got a familiar acquaintance with, and, by his intuitive genius, was shortly able to play any easy lesson which came in his way. He applied himself to the violin, and found but few difficulties to
his in his progress on that instrument. When eleven years old, he was introduced by his patron to the Rev. Mr. Eastcott, of Exeter, who

surmount

set

him down

to the piano-forte

and

his
;

uncle took him there fre-

quently

and,

one day,

attending

soon perceiving that the seeds of music were sown in a rich soil, he recommended his friends to place him with some cathedral organist, under whom he might have fiee access

DA
cess to a

DE
Crow
atres.

some knowledge of

good instrument, and get the rules of com-

Accordingly, Mr. Jackposition. son, organist of Exeter Cathedral, was applied to, who consented to

Street and Smock Alley TheHe died before his father, and, during the wake, (a custom in Ireland) through the neglect of the people, his body was partly consumed

take him, and he was articled to him about twelve years of age. His progress in church music was hardly credible ; and, in his voluntaries, his invention is not to be deHe continued to improve, scribed. and became an excellent performer

when

by

fire.

DEATH,
vourite
atres.

He was

(Mr.) actor, and a faat several provincial the-

der when manager of Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, where he performed a huntsman's character in a new

engaged by Mr. Ry-

He likewise became and violincello and composed some vocal player; quartetos, which were thought elegant by the first professors of London. He then composed some dramatic pieces for Sadler's Wells, &c. and an opera (written by Mr. Holman) for He was engagColman's Theatre.
on
the organ.

a good

violin, viole,

" comedy there, called The Benevolent Man," written by Maynard

Chamberlain Walker, Esq. an eminent barrister, now in Dublin in which the critics said, " Death was was quite alive!" He was, like many
other disappointed performers, engaged by the late Mr. Palmer for the Royalty Theatre. DECAMP, (ANNE THERESA) actress, was, in her early days, a dancer at Drury Lane Theatre, when she occasionally represented childrens' characters but increasing in years, she increased also in fame,
:

to play in the orsince assisted the a composer. For a while he followed the profession of teacher, and had several respectable pupils ; but now applies himself en-

ed by Mr. Harris
chestra,

and has
as

manager

composition, in which he is reckoned wonderfully quick and cortirely to

and was brought forward in more important parts. At the Haymarket

Theatre she made a greater progress by being an occasional substitute j and established her reputation by sustaining all the characters she undertook with considerable ability. In
1779, she produced a comedy, for own benefit, entitled " First Faults," which was a promising specimen of literary abilities, and in 1801, she assisted Mr. C. Kemble in trans" Deaf lating and altering the play of

rect.

DAWSON,

(Sen. andjun.) actors,

the father was manager of a company some years ago in Ireland, when he married Mrs. Lewis, the mother of Mr. William Lewis, now of Covent Garden Theatre. Having
failed as country manager, he opened a theatre in Capel Street, Dublin,

her

were he brought out

his

young son-

in-law, Mr. Lewis, in Belcour, (The West Indian), Mrs. Sparks in Clarissa, He then (Lionel and Clarissa), &c. joined Mr. Ryder's company, and occasionally officiated as acting manaOn the failure of Crow Street ger.

and Dumb."

DECAMP,

(Mr.)

actor,

brother

Theatre, he engaged with Mr. Daly, with whom he had a violent quarrel, which occasioned an appeal to the public ; but he soon forgot the cause, and became afterwards the manager's particular friend, being occasionally his agent in making engagements, &c. His son, George, was a favourite comedian in Dublin, though not

of the preceding lady, was formerly, Edward V, Prince Arthur, &c. at Drury Lane Theatre. After which he improved himself at Edinburgh, Margate, &c. and then, in consideration

of his early services, and the present fame of his sister, was engaged by the Drury Lane manager, where he

made

his

appearance

in

Vapour,

possessed of very great abilities. He had been instructed in dancing, and was frequently the ballet-master of the theatre : he performed at both

(My Grandmother), Nov. 13, 1800. The chief character he played, during the season, was Gradus, (Who's the Dupe ?) on account of Mr. J. Bannister's

indisposition,

in

which he
;

discovered promising abilities and, though young, is at present an useful

performer

DE
performer
in trifling

DE
contriver

coxcombs, foot-

men, &c.

DEGVILLF,

(JAMES)

of ballets, &c. is the eldest son of Mr. Peter Degville, of French extraction; but born in England. He was instructed by his father, and M. Dauberval of Paris. He married Miss Berry, who belonged to the operahouse for several seasons. In 1795, he was engaged by the proprietors of Drury Lane Theatre, for whom he furnished a grand pantomime ballet, called "Alexander the Great; or, The Conquest of Persia, " which met with considerable applause. He also assisted in the processions, &c. of " Pizarro," At present he is enThe gaged at the opera-house.

born at Rome, where he was instructed by the famous Niccolini. About 1774, he was engaged by Mr. Garrick,

actors
after
atre.

and was among the several who then went from Drury Lane to Covent Garden ; but soon
returned to
his

and performed

also at

former situation, Colman's The-

pan" Robinson tomimes, particularly Crusoe," all the pantomimical part of which he furnished, and played the character of Robinson Crusoe himself, Friday by Mr. Grimaldi. He assisted the late Lord Barrymore's private theatricals, and performed also at the Royalty Theatre during the late Mr.

He lias

assisted in several

general superiority of his pupils, to whom he is always more than com-

monly attentive, sufficiently proves the eminence of the master.

DE1GHTON, (Mr.) actor, formerhero of Sadler's Wells. Being a good comic singer, he was sometime engaged for pantomimes, &c. at Drury Lane Theatre, and is now a
ly the

Palmer's management, for whom he " Don got up die pantomimes of and " The Deserter of Juan," which were afterwards Naples," played at the Theatres Royal. At present he belongs to Covent Garden Theatre. His wife, whom he married in 1784, has performed at several prohas
vincial theatres now retired

member of Covent Garden company. He follows the profession of a

and has considerable merit painter, in caricature likenesses. He holds up to view several of the performers in his shop. Charing Cross; and his imitations give in general great satisfaction. DELAP, (Rev. JOHN) author of
three tragedies performed at Drury " Lane, viz. Hecuba," 1761; "The " Royal Supplicants," 1781 and The Captives," 1786. He is a North Bria and better ton, preacher probably than a writer.
;

(Mr.) actor, having performed at Tunbridge, Margate, &c. with considerable applause, was engaged by the proprietors of

DEN MAN,

with applause from the stage.

but

Drury Lane for the Irish characters, which had been formerly supported by Mr. Moody. His first appearance was in Foigard, (Beaux Stratagem), Oct. 'SI, 1196. The cause of his engagement, was chiefly on account of
a

new piece, called The Charity Boy," which had been announced for
on account of Mr. Johnstone's then The condemnation of indisposition. this musical entertainment, in which Mr. Denman performed the character intended for Mr. Johnstone, rendered his stay in London but for a
season.

"

representation at the Haymarket Theatre, but transferred to Druiy Lane,

DELL, (HENRY) wrote and alter" The ed the following pieces Double Revenge," Spouter ; or. " Minorca," tragedy, farce, 1756 " The 1756; Minour," comedy, 1756 ; and " The Frenchified Lady never in Paris," taken from Dryden
:

DENNIS, (JOHN) author

tragedies,

of

two

&c. was a native of Lon-

and Cibber,
first in

1757.

He was a bookseller

Tower Street, and afterwards in Holborn, where he died in humble circumstances. He once attempted the stage at Covent Garden Theatre, but without success. DELPINI, (CHARLES) actor in, and inventor of pantomime, was

don, and son of an eminent Sadler and Citizen. He was educated

under Dr. Horn, at Harrow on the Hill, and thence removed to Caius College, Cambridge, where he took the degree of B. A. but was expelled
the
to

sub a person

college for literally attempting in the dark ; after

which

DE
which he travelled through France and Italy. At his return, he setup for a wit and a fine gentleman, and, having some fortune which was left him by an uncle, held every attainment in contempt that did not relate to poetry and taste. Though his abilities have been slighted, yet he was visited by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Halifax, and Pembroke, Moyle, Dryden, Wycherly, Congreve, Southern, Garth, &c. who had some opinion of his talents. In
Liberty Asserted," in which so many severe strokes upon the French nation, that he thought they were never to be forgiven. He really persuaded himself, that the King of France, then at war with

BE
better talents for judging of the performances of others than for producing any thing of himself, which made an able critic remark, that " Dennis was the fittest man in the world to instruct a dramatic writer, for he laid down rules for writing good plays,

J704, of "

came out

his favourite

tragedy

were

own." He died in 1733, aged 77. In the very close of his days a play for his benefit at the little theatre, in the Haymarket, procured through the united interests of Messrs. Thomson, Mallet, and Pope , the last of whom, notwithstanding the gross manner in which Mr. D. had on many occasions used him, and the long
his

and shewed him what were bad by

was acted

warfare that had subsisted between them, interested himself very warmly for him. and even wrote an occasional

England, would never make peace the author of the was deliverplay to him ; ana, upon the full of his own importance, persuasion he is said to have waited on his patron, the Duke of Marlborough, when the congress was held at Utrecht
till

was spoken by Mr. Cibber,jun.

prologue to the play, which

ed up

DENT, (JOHN) author of the fol" The lowing farces, Candidate," " " The Tou civil
by half," 1782; Receipt Tax," 1783 ; and two pre" The Lawyer's Pannic or, Westminster in an Uproar, 1785 ; and " The
ludes,
;

for a treaty of peace, to\lesire that no such article might be stipulated The duke to, as his being given up. told him that he was sorry lie could

Telegraph

or,

New

Way of knowing Things," 1795. He would have contributed more to the

stage
if

not serve him, for he really had no interest with any of the ministers at that time, but said, that he fancied his case was not so desperate as he imagined ; that he had indeed made
provision for himself, yet, could not help thinking, that he had clone the French almost as much damage as the author of the play. In 1709, he published his tragedy of

he had

ment from

met with encourage-the managers, but many

to the

" The Tarantula," presented

proprietors of D.uiyLane.
lately.

of his pieces were rejected or lost. Among the latter was a farce, called

no such

He

died

DERBY, (Countess name Fatreity at which

maiden time she was

of)

"

Appius and Virginia," which met

with no success, though for which he had invented a new kind of thunder. Heing at the theatre a few nights after the ill-fate of his own play, and hearing it thunder, he started up of a sudden, andcried out, with an oath, " That's my thunder How these rascals use they will not have my plays, yet steal my thunder !" Having attacked Mr. Pope, and abused Mr. Addison's " Cato," he was represented as a madman by Swift, and rewarded by Pope with a place in his Dunciad. besides the above tragedies, he wrote other pieces, in all of wliich he shewed that he had
!

me

an actress of celebrity. She made her first appearance in Liverpool, and, at the early age of fifteen, was brought forward at the Haymarket, during the first season of the cld^T Coiman's management, in the character of Miss Hardcastle, (She Stoops to Conquer), when the reception she met witli confirmed the opinion which the manager had formed of her abilities. Her fust character at Liverpool had been Rosetta, (Love in a Village), which she now repeated in London with applause ; and, after much entreaty, was prevailed upon by Mr. Parsons to undertake, for his benefit, the part of
i

Lady Townley, (Provoked Husband),

wliich

DE
which she had for some time declined through diffidence. Sogreat washer
character, that she for both the winter theatres successively, and performed at
this
I

DI
conclusion of the play she appeared to be much affected, and, when Mr.
|

success in

was engaged

Wroughton came forward to speak some lines, which were written on the
occasion, her emotions enci cased to such a degree that she was under the necessity of receiving support from Mr. King. The fall of the curtain was attended with repeated bursts of applause, not unmingled with feelings of regret for the loss of an actress then in the zenith of her

Drury Lane, and Covent Garden,

in both tragedy

and comedy.

Hav-

ing now completely established her theatrical fame, she succeeded Mrs. Abington in her chief characters at Drury Lane, and displayed all that elegance, ease, ana fashion, for which her predecessor had been so

famed.

Though

she had supported

charms, and while her dramatic reputation was higher than ever.

many

Digges in Covent Garden, and represented

Juliet,

tragic parts with

Mr.

" Conscious Lovers," Accidents," &c.) with Chapter To her the equal approbation. "Heiress," and othermodern pieces were indebted for success, while her elegant representation of Lady Teazle
Merchant," " of
is still
;

the Fair Circassian, &c. at Drury Lane with great and merited applause, she now confined her extensive abilities to the comic line ; but occasionally performed serious characters in comedy, (" The English

DERRICK, (SAMUEL) translated a piece from the French of the King of Prussia, called " Sylla," a dramatic

entertainment, 1753. He was a native of Ireland, born in 1734, and, being intended for trade, was sometime placed with a linen draper in

Dublin

but, disliking business, quit-

ted both it and his country in 1751, and commenced author in London. Soon after he arrived at the metropolis he Indulged an inclination which he had imbibed for the stage, and appeared in the character of Gloucester, (Jane Shore), but little success that he never

the playful

remembered notwithstanding manner in which Mrs.

with

so

Jordan endeavours to obliterate it. Having left the Haymarket Theatre,

she paid a

the experiment.

He succeeded Beau

repeated

summer

visit

and her performances there were

to Dublin, re-

ceived with universal approbation. At this time she was noticed by the most distinguished characters, and, at the particular request of several of the nobility, bad conducted the stage
business of a private play, which was performed at the Duke of Richmond's
in Privy Gardens, and in which Lord Derby, Lord Henry Fitzgerald, and the Hon. Mrs. Darner, Her jrivate -ivrih as performed. well as public merit had long attracted the admiration of Lord Derby, and, as soon as his lordship was at liberty

Nash in his office of master of the ceremonies at Hath, and 1 unbridge ; but, through his extravagance, was as necessitous at the time of his death, March 7, 1760, as he had been at anv period of his life.

DIAMOND. (Mr

up

to business, ihe stage, and (lie tuition of

which he declined for was some time under

Mr.
Garrick.

)actor,wasbrought

He

house,

made

his appearance at the Haymarket theatre, under the late Mr. Colman's management, and afterwards went to Hath, where lie purchased a share of the theatre, and

to offer her his hand, he avowed his intention of calling her his wife ; in consequence of which, she took leave of the stage, April S, 1797. Her final character was Lady Teazle, and the anxiety of the public was so great to witness the last performance of this favourite actress, that the theatre was crowded soon after the

where he has attained

He present the chief manager favourite at both Hath and Bristol, the character of a respectable, though not a great In the summer Mr. peiformer. Diamond is an occasional performer in the country, whereby he has freis is

at
a

doors were opened.

Towards

the

quently an opportunity of procuring some promising actors for his own theatre. It was during his performance at Richmond tiiat he received and complied with Mr. Elliston's ap1

plication.

DI
plication.

DI
man
of
at-

His son, a young

abilities,

tempted dramatic writing. He produced a musical entertainment, calwhich he led " The Sea-side
Story,"

promising

has

lately

was promised by the manager of Covent Garden should be brought out when there was an opportunity; but, impatient of literary honour, he not only gave up all hopes of emolument, but almost hazarded that fame, by giving itfora benefit,(1801) as it is well known, notwithstanding the many wretched pieces performed on those occasions, several productions of meiit have in this manner
been
sacrificed. However, the young dramatist's wish seems to have been

had positively sworn that Mr. B. was not tne author, and that the public should be made acquainted with the author's name in a day or two. The piece was now allowed to be performed without further opposition, but, when finished, the audience became clamorous to have the author's
again

name announced when Mr. King came forward, made an apo;

logy, hoping the town would not think hiin a party in any division, and then informed them that the managers
if Mr. Dibdin made use of the least equivocation, to dismiss the theatre, and that the performers would shun him as a perjured man, and a pest to society. This declaration, however, did not produce the desired effect, for Mr.

had resolved,

him from

: for, though got up with all the disadvantages of a benefit piece,

satisfied
it

gave satisfaction, and was afterwards espoused by the manager.

DIBDIN, (CHARLES)
first

dramatist,

composer, and formerly actor. His character on the stage, which brought him into notice, was Ralph, (Maid of the Mill), and through the author's recommendation he was engaged by Mr. Garrick, when his performance of Mungo, (Padlock) 1768, rendered him a favourite with the town. His fame, however, as actor, was established by hi* excellence as a composer, and to his musical genius he is likewise indebted for his literary fame, his following dramatic writings being in general but simple vehicles " The for music Shepherd's Arti" Damon and Pheiin 1764
:

Dibdin was obliged to appear and declare he was the author of both the words and music ; which asseveration appeased the audience, who approved of the entertainment, though containing little to recommend it. After this, he produced " The Deserter," taken from

altered from Cibber, 1768 ; " The Wedding Ring," 1773. Previous to the representation of this piece, a report was spread that Mr. BickerMr. Dibdin staff was the author. thought proper to make an affidavit

fice," lida,"

was not ; for as Bickerstaff 's then odious to the public, the fate of the entertainment seemed to depend upon the town's giving credit to Mr. Dibdin's affidavit ; nevertheless, on the first night of the representation of the piece, part of the audience testified their displeasure by interrupting the actors for
that he

name was

Alps," ; Islanders," 1780, afterwards altered and called "The Marriage Act," 1781 ; " Jupiter and Alcmena," taken from Dryden, burletta, 1781; "None so blind as those that will not see," 1782 ; " Liberty Hall, or the Test of Good " Harvest Home," Friendship," 1785 1787 ; " A Loyal Effusion," 1797 ; " Hannah Hewit, or the Female Crusoe." acted for a benefit, 1798. He married the daughter of a respectable tradesman, whom he is said to have deserted without provocation. His want of ceconomy has
;

French, ; " The Waterman, or First of Au" The gu t," 1774 ; Cobler, or a W ife of Ten Thousand," 1774; " The Me" The tamorphoses," 1776; " Poor Vulcan." Quaker," 1776; burletta, 1778 ; " The Gipsies," 1778 ; " Rose and Colin,'' 1778; " The Wives Re" The Chelsea venged," 1778; Pen" The sioner," 1779 " The Mirror," pantomime, 1779 Shepherdess of " the 1780 The
; ;

tire

1771

time, till Mr. King came on begged leave to read a p^iper, hands by Mr. Dibdin ; his into purport whereof was that Mr.

some

and
put
the

sity
'"

plunged him into many difficulties ; and in 1777 he was under the necesof residing, by pecuniary embarrassments, abroad.

He

D.

Poor Vulcan"

to Dr.

then sent his Arnold, under

who.e

DI
whose auspices it wasbrought out and
received with kindness. Its success enabled him to return, and he was engaged as musical composer to the theatre of Covent Garden, with a fixed salary. This situation he lost by a disagreement with the manager, for having added music to the Amphytrion of Dryden and converted it
into an opera, (Jupiter

DI
applied
in vain,

having met with those

and Alcmena)

he demanded
ner as

to

nave the benefit of

in the

same manif it had been a new piece. The demand was unreasonable. The manager bought the copy and they
three nights for
it,

separated.

After this he composed music for an opera, which was brought out at the Dublin Theatre ;

and brought a demand against the then manager, Mr. Daly, for the same, which he obliged him to pay. His embarrassments still increasing, he opened an entertainment of recitation and songs, which for the merit of the latter became popular, and his success induced him to build a theatre
for himself in Leicester Street, with

repulses v/tuchfrundieti authors geneAt this time, howrally experience. ever, he caught Dame Fortune in resumed the name of good humour, Dibdin, and, previous to the representation of his accepted farce, produced an occasional piece, called " The Mouth of the Nile," 1798, which so established his literary fame with the manager, that he was allowed a separate salary for bis writings, by which he was bound to produce so many pieces per season, and write whatever songs, &c. were required. His farce of " The Jew and the Doctor" having been altered, in consequence of Mr. Cumberland's "Jew," was this season brought forward with considerable applause After which he produced, in 1799, the following " Five Thousand a pieces : Year," a
petit

comedy

" The

Birth

Day,"

another petit comedy, altered from His " Sunshine after Kotzebue. Rain" was acted one night for a benefit, but got up in such a careless
as to prevent a repetition, though certainly an author, who was write for the house, ought to engaged on this occasion to have been entitled to thesuperintendance of a manager, who must have been interested in " The Horse and his success. the Widow," a comic piece, altered from " The Naval Kotzebue; Pillar, or Britannia Triumphant,' an occasional musical entertainment. In 1800, he produced "True Friends," a musical " St. entertainment, unsuccessful; David's Day," a musical entertain, ment " The Hermione ; or Valour
;

a convenient shop

for

own
this

publishing his

manner

music. Though his success in kind of entertainment is not so

great as formerly, yet lie finds his the end productive, as his occasional visits to the are lucrative. consequently country He has endeavoured to extend his

London performances in

literary fame by writing novels, &c. but in the opinion of some critics he has thereby diminished it. DIBDIN, (THOMAS) dramatist and actor, son of the preceding, but not acknowledged by his father. For some time he was in obscurity in the country, where he was known by the name of Marchant, and un-'er which name his first dramatic piece, ' The Mad Guardian, or Sunshine

an occasional Triumphant," lude " Liberal a

;

inter-

Opinions,"

comedy

which was performed after Kain,' at the provincial theatres with seme
i

and " II Bondocani," a Prejudice musical entertainment. He has also

,

of three acts, afterwards extended to five, and called " The School for

' Juapplause) was published, wiih venile Poems, &c. As a dramatist he has been always more conspicuous than as an actor, and the success of his " The farce called Jew and the Doctor," in the country, procured him a recommendation to Mr. Harris, to whom the piece was sent, and by whi m it was immediate!) accepted. Before this Mr. Dibdin. howev er, had

assisted

"

pantomimes, "The Volcano," Harlequin's Tour," &c. His wife is an actress, and belongs to Covent Garden company. His brother, formerly known by the name of Pitt, is now supei ir.tendant at Sadler's \\ e Is. Mr. Dibdm is author of several favourite snugs, which have been geHe has nerally written for benefits. lately, during his country excursions,
1
-'

given

DI
given an entertainment, called
thing

DO
" Nosongs,
of

New,"

consisting

&c. which has met with applause, particularly at Oxford, where he is by several distinstories,

engaged by Mr. Harris for Covent Garden, where she made her debut in Polly, (Beggar'sOpera) September,
1800.

patronized guished characters.

D1DIER,

(J.) actor,

has played at

actor, made his first appearance on the stage at DubHe played at Covent lin, in 17h9.

several provincial theatres, and is now manager of the Theatre Royal, Richmond, Deal, Dover, &c.

Ireland, who produced one play, acted at Dublin, called " The Patriot King, or Irish Chief," 1774.

DOBBS, (FRANCES) a

native of

DODD, (JAMES SOLAS)

of

is

author

one dramatic piece, which was

DIGGES, (WEST)

acted once at Covent Garden, called " Gallic Gratitude, or the Frenchman
India," 1779. He published a pamphlet in defence of the Cock Lane Ghost, and afterwards com" Lecture on posed a Hearts," which he read publicly at Exeter Change, with some success. He was bred a surgeon, and now follows the proin

Garden and the Haymarket Theatres with great applause, and was for some time manager at Edinburgh. H is last performances were at Dublin, where lie was suddenly seized with a paralytic stroke, which rendered him incapable of following his profession. He then became the manager's confi-

fession.

dant and privy counsellor, for which he had an allowance, but at the same time the ill-will and envy of the comHe died at Cork in 1786. He
pany. is frequently spoken of in Mrs. Bellamy's Apology; and in the early part of his life was distinguished by the title of the Gentleman Actor. D1GNUM, (Mr.) singer, was son of a master taylor in Wild Street,

DODD, (Mr.) actor, was a native of London, and put to a grammar school in Holborn. Having performed Darius, in Terence's " Andrea," whilst at school, he entertained a passion for the stage, and commenced actor at the early age of sixteen, at
Sheffield, where his first appearance was in Roderigo, (Othello) after which he undertook principal cha-

London,

to
;

brought up

which business he was but having distinguished

racters in tragedy with considerable encouragement. He then went to

in

himself as a singer in a Catholic chapel,

he was recommended to the late Mr. Linley, who immediately took him an apprentice. He made his first appearance on the siage at DruryLane, in Young Meadows, (Love in a Village) when he became a principal vocal performer at a good salary. At
this time his family were much embarrassed, and with filial affection he his earnapplied the greater part of He married the ings to their relief. a of Mr. Rennel, attorney, daughter

but was still a servant to Melpomene, till, being engaged at Bath, he devoted his study entirely to the comic muse with so much reputation that he received a very liberal proposal from the then managers of Drury Lane, (Messrs. Garrick and Lacey) which he accepted, and made his
first appearance in London, 1765, in addle, (the Foundling) with success adequate to his own and the managers' most sanguine wishes. He established
I

Norwich, where he chiefly exhibited comedy with flattering applause,

with

whom he received
)

an handsome

himself in
in

fortune.

DIXON, [CLARA
structed

singer,

was

in-

music by Mrs. in vocal Crouch, and performed at the Opera House under the name of Signora Her first appearance on an Clara. English stage was for Mis. Crouch's
benefit, in Beda, (Bluebeard) April She appeared the succeed15, 1799. ing season, on the same occasion, in Guita, (Siege of Belgrade) and was

many characters.particularly genteel fops, in which line he stood unrivalled. About 1781 he formed a connection with Mrs. Bulkeley, afserwardsMrs. BarresfoH, which continued for som? time ; but, suspecting her fidelity, a separation ensued. He died in September. 1796.

was born

DODSLEY, (ROBERT)
in

dramatist,

early days a

1703, and was in his fooiman to the lion. Mrs. Lowther, from which humble
-tatiun

DO
station his abilities soon raised him; for, having written a dramatic satire,

DO
Bachelor) and Ben, (Love for Love) which Congreve, with whom he was a great favourite, wrote in somemeasure with a view to his manner of

called

" The Toyshop,'^ which was shewn to Mr. Pope, the celebrated with its merit, that poet wasso struck
ne l>ecame immediately Dodsley's pa-By his interest the piece was brought out at Drury Lane, 1735, where it met with the success it merited, as did also another farce, produced the succeeding year at the same theatre, called " The King, and the Miller of Mansfield." The author was now enabled to go into business, and became a bookseller ; in
tron.

At Drury Lane Theatre he acting. became joint manager with Wilkes and Cibber, but, in 1712, offended
at Mr. Booth's being admitted to a share, he threw up his part in the property of the theatre, though it was looked on to be worth 10001.

annum.

By

his frugality,

which station, Mr. Pope's recommendation, and his own merit procured him the countenance of the
first persons of distinction, so that in a few years he was one of the most eminent of his profession. In 1738

he had saved a competent fortune to render him easy for the remainder of his life, with which he retired from the fatigue of his profession in the very meridian of his reputation. He was a comedian of great merit, possessing the happy art of arriving at the perfectly ridiculous without exceeding the bounds of nature. His

per however,

he produced a farce, called " Sir John Cockle," being a sequel to "The King and Miller." In 1741 he brought
out a ballet opera, called

"The Blind

Beggar of Bethnal Green." In 1745 he made an attempt to introduce

frequently served as a model to many, and the propriety with which he dressed his characters gave double force to his humour. He died Sept. 22, 1721.

manner, though borrowed from none,

upon " Rex et Pontifex." In tomime, in 1749 he wrote a masque, called "The of Peace," on the peace Triumph of Aix la Chapelle, which was acted He published a colat Drury Lane.
lection

the stage a

new

species of pan-

DOSSIL, (ROBERT) was author

of a musical piece acted at the Haymarket Theatre, called " The Statesman Foiled," 1768. was principal secretary to the society for the encouragement of the arts and manu-

He

of old plays, in twelve volumes, 12mo. by which he has preserved the beauties- of some antient dramatists. Having acquired a handsome fortune by his labours, he retired from his business, and died September 25, 1764, at the house of his friend, Mr. Spence, at Durham.

factures,

and died about

1778.

DOW, (ALEXANDER)
two

author of

" The author of a comedy, called

Country Wake," which was afterwards altered to a ballet farce, called " Hob in the Well." He was born in Castle Street, Dublin, and made his first theatrical attempt on the stage of that metropolis, but, not meeting with the encouragement to which his met it was entitled, he came over
to England,

DOGGFT, (THOMAS)

actor,

and

tragedies, acted at Drury Lane, called " Zingis," 1769, and " Sethona," 1774. He was a native of Scotland, but was obliged to leave his country, in consequence of a duel, and entered himself as a common sailor on board an East-India ship, bound to Bencoolen ; where the secretaryship to the governor being he

vacant, very fortunately obtained that ofand soon became lieutenantcolonel. He died in the East Indies.
fice,

1779.

and joined a

travelling

companv

after which, he procured ; an engagement at Drurv I ane and Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatres, where he was universally liked, particularly in the characters of Fondlewife (Old

thor of the following tragedies, " Lucius Junius Brutus, or The Expulsion of the Tarquins," 1779; "Editha, or the Siege of Exeter," 1784; " Belisarius, 1786." The two last were performed at Exeter, with considerable applause. He isthe son of a gentleman of good foitune in the neighbourhood

DOWNHAM. (HUGH,

M.D.) au-

of

D O
*f Exeter, who died in 1789. He was brought up at the public school in that city, and took his degrees (as

DU
Arms,*' interlude, acted at Covent Garden, 1780. He was the son of a

supposed) at Baliol College, at Oxford. He was designed for the church ; took orders, and performed the duties of a clergyman, for a few years, in his father's neighbourhood. But a disorder, which has since proved to be a liver complaint, rendering any exertions of his voice painful and dangerous to him, he went to Edinburgh, and took his degrees in physic. An early attachment to a very amiable and accomplished young lady, which did not meet the intire approbation of his family, though she was very nearly related to Lord Courtnay, and had a genteel fortune, fixed the first essays of his muse en
love. The lished at the

tradesman, education.

who gave him a genteel Unknown to his friends

all

he married at the early age of nine teen, and commencing strolling acthe hardships inciof an itinerant playone time a comedian in the York company ; but, tired of the stage, he became master of a school at Birmingham, where he died about the latter end of 1780.
tor,

endured

dent to the
er.

life

He was

at

DUBELLAMY,
He

(Mr.) actor, was a

favourite performer in the vocal line.

played for some time at Drury Lane, and the Haymarket Theatres; at the latter of which, he represented the character of Cawwawkee, in " (Polly), the second part of the Beg-

Poems end of

the

to Thespia, pub" Land of the

Muses," are the genuine effusions of a poetic fancy, and of a heart fraught with those sincere and ardent passions which have since marked his
life.

Opera," 1777, which the late Mr. Colman then got up. He afterwards went to Dublin, and, under Mr. Ryder's management, played Capt Macheath, &c. alternately with Mr. Webster.
gar's

While he was

in

Scotland, or

soon

" Land

after his return, he published the of the Muses." in imitation of

Spencer. This fixed

sold.
It is

his reputation as a poet, and several editions of it were

DUBOIS, (DOROTHEA) authoress of some musical pieces, was the wife of a musician, and daughter of the Earl of Anglesea, by Anne Sympson, a lady who asserted herself to be wife
of his lordship, though disowned by In consequence of this disputed right, the daughter was never acknowledged as legitimately belong-

was turned

probable that his attention to the stage very early in

him.

these was " Lucius Junius Brutus," than which, many worse pieces have been accepted, and absolutely forcHis plays ed upon the public. which have been acted at Exeter,

several of his pieces were offered for representation, but rejected by the managers. Among
life, as, it is said,

ing to the family ; but passed most of her life in great indigence, and ineffectual attempts to establish her claim to that distinction which she used in the title-pages of her works. She wrote some musical entertain-

gave great
quently

satisfaction,
It

and were
is

fre-

repeated.

therefore

ments for Mary-bone Gardens, and produced a piece which was acted at
Fishamble Street, Dublin, about 1772, called " The Haunted Grove," when a verse in the Finale, which was deemed indelicate, occasioned its

much to be wished that the merits of ail new pieces, offered for representabe decided by a literary committee, and not to depend on (he judgment of capricious managers, too often attached to their own works, or biassed by interest and partialition, to
ty-

were

sudden condemnation. about Jan. 1774.

She

died
in

DUBOIS,

(BAPTIST)

actor

DOWNING,
actor in the
;

(GEORGE) was an
and author of

country, " Newmarket or, The Humours of the Turf," comic piece, 1763; "The
Parthian
Exile," tragedy,
:

acted
;

at

Coventry, and Worcester, 1774 " The Volunteers

or,

and
to

Taylors

pantomime, who has acquired no inconsiderable fame at Sadler's Wells, &c. In 179S, he applied to the proprietors of Drury Lane, and, contrary to his expectations, received an engagement. In the character of a clown he is much admired ; but his abilities arc not confined te this part,
lie

ED
has several pupils with whom he occasionally exhibits tumbling, &c.

ED
stands about a mile and a half frcm
it. The Building, and laying out- of the pleasure grounds, cost 15,0001..

He

DUDLEY,
dramatist,

(Rev.

HENRY BATE)

was

the son of a clergy-

a living near ChelmsBeing proprietor of a morning paper, he was called to an account, in 1781, for a libel which had appeared in it against the Duke of Richmond. His dramatic pieces are " and Emma," interlude, Henry " The Rival Candidates." 1774; " The musical entertainment, 1775
ford, in Essex.
;

man who had

DUFFEY, (PETER) singer, was a hatter in Dublin ; but declined business for the stage, having been flattered by his friends into a high opinion of his vocal abilities. He made his first appearance before the public at Capel Street Theatre, Dublin, in a new written by a lady, piece, called " The Enchanted Island." the
music by Giordani : under such a master Mr. Duffey met with considerable applause. In 1789, he was engaged at Cov :nt Garden, where lie remained one season, and afterwards sung at Vauxhall. He then found
it

Blackamore washed White," ditto, " The Flitch of condemned, 1776 ; Bacon," ditto, 1778 ; " The Drama" The tic Puffers," prelude, 17812 Magic Picture," comedy, altered from Massinger, 1783; " The Wood" The Travelman," opera, 1791;
;

necessary

to

return to business,

lers

Switzerland," ditto, His residence, Bradwell Lodge, near Bradwell, is so remarkable at sea, that it is considered by the coasting traders as a sea mark, and is almost
as conspicuous as the Roman Temple, now called St. Peter's Chapel, which

in

1794.

though different to his first occupation, and has been lately married.

DUFOUR,
cert,

(Miss) singer,

was

first

introduced to the public in a conand afterwards appeared at

DruryLaneTheatre inAdela,(Haunted Tower), in 179S.

E.
Dr. Arnold, who instructed by brought her forward at the Havmarket Theatre, in Captain Macheath, (Beggar's Opera) ; after which she per-

EDWARDS,

(Mrs.)

actress,

was

a healthy situation, in the vicinity of Enfield, where he had not been long, before he gave the most decided indications of his future destiny, by
joining some young gentlemen in that neighbourhood, in attempting to perform a play. Private theatricals

formed second-rate vocal parts, and chambermaids ; and in I7S9, pro cured an engagement at Drury Lane, where her chief character was Lucy, in the above opera. EDWIN, (JOHN) actor, was the son of a watch-maker, who, with a
liberality superior to hiscircumstances, gave him an education that after-

wards rendered him

in
life
;

for

it

is

asserted

essential service that the

were not then embellished and attended as they are now; for young Edwin and his associates received their audience in a stable, where the " Alexander the Great.'' tragedy of was chosen for the occasion, and the future comedian, ranted his part, ununaided by any other qualification,
than what was produced by his puerile
at

he acquired of music, while a schoolboy, aided by a happy

knowledge

school

invention, and droll manner of delivery, made him one of the first comic He was born in singers of the age. Clare Street, St. Clement Danes, London, August 10, 1749 ; and, being of a sickly constitution, his father was induced to send him, at nine jears of age, to a farmhouse in

presumption. Heremaineuat till he was fifteen years of age,

a

which period he procured

;

place

Pension Office ot the Exchequer but that employment requiring no more than two hours daily attendance, he had an opportunity
in the

of turning his thoughts to the stage; a propensity to which seems thus early to have been his ruling passion.

He

ED
Having received information of a spouting club, at the French Horn,
in

ED
fortune on objects totally unknown to him, while his own kinsman was left entirely destitute, from an impulse of justice made young Edwin secretary to the trust, and annexed a salary of thirty pounds a year, beside some very considerable perquisites, to the appointment. But the stagestruck mind of this young man could be contented with nothing short of
theatrical reputation ; he accordingly resigned his secretaryship at the end of the year, during which he had accumulated 5001. and left his family without the formality of taking leave ; but not before he had drawn his money out of the hands of Mr. Way, and
it

Wood

Street, Cheapside, he be-

came a member; that the singular

and

was there

humour of Mr. William Woodfall, in Old Mask, in (The Musical Lady), first suggested to Edwin's mind, a serious idea of
assuming the character of a comedian. The following summer, he studied the tankard scene of Scrub ; the part of Simon in the first act of The Apprentice, and the first scene of Polydore, in The Orphan, which with the song of " I followed a lass that was froward and^hy," and those of Sir Harry Sycamore, in the Maid of the Mill, he concluded might carry him very decently through the winter, at the beginning of which a

new spouting society was instituted at the Falcon, in Fetter Lane. There Edwin made his first regular essay, and having passed the fiery ordeal of juvenile criticism, amid the applauses of the members, was soon after chosen one of the six managers. He was always a great admirer of the professional merits of the late Ned Shuter, who, in return, entertained a high opinion of his comic abilities,
and used frequently to say, " My boy, you will be an excellent actor when I am laid low." Indeed it was to his imitation of that actor's songs, and the performance, at the above-mentioned club, of some of his parts, that he was first indebted for the

presented it to his father, whose circumstances were embarrassed, and whose hopes had been disappointed

by his resolution to turn player. When he was only sixteen years of age, he commenced an actor of old men, at the theatre of Manchester, in 1765.
Justice Woodcock, and Sir Harry Sycamore, were two characters which were performed with great applause

by our juvenile adventurer, and it is here to be observed, as a circumstance not a little remarkable, that he " played old men in his youth, and
years." His fame was now so firmly established, that before the expiration of the summer, he was engaged at a salary of thirty shillings a week, at the theatre Royal, in Smock-alley, Dublin. Accordingly, when the sea-

young

men

in

his

more advanced

patronage of Mr. Lee, of Drury Lane Theatre, who seeing his Launcelot in " The Merchant of Venice," engaged him for the ensuing summer at Manchester, at a settled salary of one guinea a week, and the profits of half a benefit. However, before he joined this theatrical corps, a circumstance occurred which might have been productive of great advantage Mr. John Edwin, of Great to him. George Street, Hanover Square, a distant relation, possessed of great wealth, happened to die, leaving near 50,0001. to be distributed in public and appointed twelve charities,
trustees to superintend the distribuMr. Way, the principal of tion. these, and also one of his executors, aware of the folly of expending a

son was over at Manchester, he visited London, and having received some money and a watch from his father, he set out for the metropolis of Ireland, where he at length arriv-

ed

in great distress,

having wailed

so long for a fair wind at Parkgate, that he had been obliged to pawn his

watch, and

on the road. The first character that he performed in Dublin, was that of Sir Philip Modelove, (Bold Stroke for a Wife), a part in which much is not expected from the actor. His next was that of Lord Trinket, (The Jealons Wife) ; and here he had so little of the nobleman in his manner and address, that when ex-

expend

his

last shilling

"

claiming in the course of his part, I act a mighty ridiculous figure here,

ED
here,

ED
the

upon honour!" some of

wags replied with great vociferation, " S'ou His success, do, indeed!" however, in Justice Woodcock, (Love in a Village), amply repaid him for his former disgrace, and he afterwards continued through the season
to attract considerable applause, either as aivold man, a thief, a clown, or a constable. After his return from Ireland, he was engaged at several of the provincial theatres in England, and particularly at Bath, where he received great applause, in the characters of Perriwinkle, (The Bold

which the composer knew no other His vast individual was competent' comic powers were first generally acin Master knowledged Stephen,

(Every
his

man

in his

Humour).

From

Stroke for a Wife), and sir Harry Sycamore, (The Maid of the Mill) There loo he first became acquainted wilh Mrs. Walmsley, then a reputable
milliner of that city, his desertion of whom, alioiit twenty years afterward, occasioned him to be frequently hissed off the stage by a London audience.

fine acting on that night, every thing great was presaged by those whose judgment warranted the encomiums of renown. At the conclus.on :>f that season, he made a new engagement with the manager, and was fixed for three years at eight pounds per week. At the expiration of that term it was increased to twelve, and thus it continued uniil he was called from the great theatre of existence He died October 31,

1790.

EDWIN, (JUNIOR) actor, son of made his first appearance when about ten years old, in the part of Hengist, (Bonduca) at the
the preceding,

In June, 177">, he was engaged to play at Foote's theatre, in the Haymarket, at a salary of three pound:per week, and in the latter part of
that month, made his first professional brw to a London audience, in the part of Flaw, in the manager's come" dy of The Cozeners."'. His success in this attempt did not, however, equal the expectations of his friends, and it was not till he had performed lobson, (The Devil to Pav), and Billy Button, 'The Maid of Bath),

Haymarket Theatre, July 30, 1778, and for several seasons represented juvenile characters at Covent Garden, and the summer theatres. When he grew up, he assumed the more regular walks of the drama, in bo h town and country; but never acquired that reputation which his father did as comedian. He was for
a long time the inseparable companion of the late Lord Barrymorc,

that he acquired any great degree of theatrical reputation bit his fame
;

wh ise private theatricals at Wargrave, he ai.-ted. EDWIN. (Mis.) actress wife of the preceding, maiden name Richards: her fattier and mother belonged to
the

was not established till Mr. Colman became manager, (1777), when he
was brought forward
in several

new

eccerfric characters, particularly in

O'KeelVe's pieces, in which the author and actor were mutuall) served. In Mr. Harris engaged Edwin 177!), Pt die rate of seven pounds a week.

The

tir-t scenic personage he represented at Covent Garden, was TouchEdwin did stone. (As you Like it what he cm! l.but the effort was not
;

entirely
th.it
I

satisfactory.

He

played

Midas on the ^ame evening, and in part recovered all the dignity he ha 'ouch-; me. The forfeited in leading deign of Mr. Hani- in en w.ii to do the Edwin, gj^tng part of Punch, in Dibdin's pantomime of " a Harlequin Every Where," part to
I

Dublin stage during Mr. Ryder's where the daughter her first appearance at the tender age of eight years, and di>covered extraordinary abilities in the character of Prince Arthur, and other iittle parts. At this ageshe also played Prescilla Tomboy, (The Romp), for her ben 'fit, wan h. on her account, was afterwards occasionally made an Mi-- U allis, then a child, int Tiide. performed against her at Mr. Daly's theatre but Mi-> Richards as a singer had the advantage. Young as die was, -he proved the object of persecution : for, whenever her benefit was an" The nounced, Mr. Dale advertised Hell Stratagem," then a fashionable comedy, it being the first season it was represented at Smock Alley, deK daring

management,

made

EG
clarine it to be positively the last night of its being played that season. The benefit was two or three times postponed, and each time the last night of the above play was opposed against it ; the consequence of which was that the child, or ralher her parents,

EL
ELLISTON, (ROBERT WILLIAM) actor, was born in Orange Street,
Bloomsbury, and is the youngest son of an eminent farmer at a village, called Gidgrave, near Orford,in SufHe was educated at the exfolk. pence of his uncle, Dr. Elliston, masof ter Sidney College, Cambridge, who intended his nephew for the
church, and placed him, when nine years old, at St. Paul's School. Having gained some applause in an Engwhich he delivered in lish oration public, in the year 1789, he imbibed

had no
proved

benefit, being ai last obliged

it.

to decline

In the country she imand at a proper age appearance in London at Covent Garden Theatre ; and about 1792, was married to Mr. Edwin. EGAN, (Mr.) actor, belonged to the Haymarket Theatre, under the late Mr. Colman's management, where he generally supported Irish
herself,
first

made

her

an early inclination for the stage ; and shortly after performed Pierre (Venice Preserved), at a private theatre. He quitted school at the age of sixteen without the knowledge of his friends, and, resolving to try his success on the stage, accompanied a friend to Bath, where he engaged himself as clerk in a lottery office, and remained in that capacity (which was unly for a few weeks) till he found an opportunity of making his theatrical essay, which was in the bumble

characters.
lin,

In 1784,

hewent

having been engaged

to Dubfor Gior-

dani's English Opera House, Capel Street; though, like several others who belonged to that theatre, incapable of rendering it any service in the vocal line. During his stay in Dubsevere lin he suffered much from

and died shortly after London. The first part which brought him into notice was the
indisposition, his return to

Irishman, in the speaking Pantomime

of Having Harlequin Teague." been appointed to announce the second representation of this piece, which was performed for the first 1782, time, Saturday, August 18, he continued his blunders by giv-

"

character of Tressel, (Richard III,) 1791, in which he gave so much satisfaction, that he was soon recommended to the York manager, and conse-

ing

it

out

for the

succeeding night,

quently left Bath in hopes of making At York, a more rapid progress. however, he experienced so much and as the vexation, disappointment characters were all in the principal possession of other performers, that he

His widow takes care {SundayJ. of the" wardrobe at Covent Gar-

soon became weary of his condition, and wrote to his uncle a supplicating letter for

den.

EGERTON,
Jirst

(Mr.)

actor,

was

in

pardon and indulgence. His application having had the de-

business near White Chapel, which he gave up for the stage, and made his

sired

name)

attempt (under at the Royalty Theatre. He played for a benefit or two at the Haymarket Theatre, and applied in vain to Mr. Colman for an engagement. He went to Birmingham in and performed with Mr. 1S(X), M'Cready but in consequence of a
;

this

assumed

effect, he returned to London, and was introduced to Mr. Kenible, who promised him an engagement at the opening of New Drury but his patience having been exhausted before the building was completed, or, as it is still in an unfinished state, be;

fore the
j

sudden separation between him and the manager. he opened the Assembly Room in that town with an entertainment of his own, called " Whimsicalities," consisting of songs, imita" Lecture on tions, extracts from the
Heads,-' &c.

company could act plays there, he applied to Mr. Diamond, the Bath manager, who was tiien performing at the Richmond theatre, by

whom he was He made his

| I
j

immediately engaged. second appearance on

the Bath stage in Romeo, and was received by the audience in such a manner as proved that his Tressel was

not forgotten.

The

indisposition of several

EL
several performers now afforded him the long wished for opportunities of

ES
She came from the Dublin thedy. atre, and was engaged at Covent Garden in 17.M). she had a tolerable share of wit and good sense ; but, by
her want of powers, was prevented from making a conspicuous figure on the stage. She was living in 1790. Herchief characters were Lady Grace,
Mrs. Foresight, Octavia, Mrs.

displaying his versatile abilities ; and he occasionally appeared in tragedy,

o(>era, and pantomime with success, that he declined the at Drury, and retained his present situation, as more productive of fame and emolument. Still anxious for an advan-

comedy,
so

much

promised engagement

New

Mor-

wood, &c.
(Mr.) actor, his father was a performer of much repute in the country, who had his son instructed in musjc, for which he discovered an early capacity, and made such a proficiency that, at the age of twelve, he belonged to the orchestra at Brighton theatre. Aspiring to the stage, he laid aside the fiddle for the notes of dramatic applause, which he obtained

tageous appearance in London, he was resolved to make personal applicaion to Mr. Colman, and procured leave of the manager of Bath for that purpose : hut in this excursion he had a donate view ; for having formed an attachment fir a young
lady (Miss Rendall) who had been sent up to town, he was a^ anxious to see her as the London manager.

EMERY,

The

lady, however, unexpectedly returned to Bath before he quitted it, and, notwithstanding the many efforts which were made to prevent the union, he succeeded in obtaining her consent, and came up with his

in

his

first

Peeping

Tom)

appearance in Crazy, and having been

;

equally successful in other companies with respect to fame, not emolument, he was engaged by the York manager,

where, though only

fifteen years

bride to London. He rehearsed the character of Octavian,; Mountaineers], before Mr. Colman, who, happy in

procuring a substitute for Mr. ble. complied with his desire.

cordingly he

KemAc-

of age, he acquired so much reputation in the characters of oA/men, that in 1797, he procured an engagefrom Mr. Harris for three years, at a
rising

salary,

and

made

his

first

appearance at the Haymarket Theatre in Octavian, and Vapour, (My Grandu mother), June 24, 17 6, having been married about three weeks before. He then played Sheva, (The Jew), Sir Edward Mortimer, (Iron Chest), &c. His success was adequate to his
wishes, notwithstanding the fame of his predecessors in Octavian and Sheva ; and his performance of Sir

made

his first

ap|>earance at Covent Garden in Frank Oatlands, (Cure for the Heartache), and Lovegold, (The Miser, reduced to a Farce), in which opposite characters he met with equal ap-

On Mr. Munden's secession plause. from the Haymarket, he was engaged by Mr. Colman for the summer
season.

The
he

abilities
is

of

this

man

Edward Mortimer secured

the favour

of the manager, as it preserved a play which had failed the previous winter He then enseason at Drury Lane. gaged with Mr. Harris for a certain number of nights with the permission of the Hath managers ; but at Covent Garden he did not experience all that success and indulgence, whicli he met with at the Haymarket; for Mr. Harris, being no author, has no bantling, to bemused: he therefore returned to his situation in Bath, and is at present the hero of that theatre.

now only about 25) future excellence : he is as great in his representation of rustics as of old men ; and, besides his skill of music, he has discovered no small genius for painting. ESTCOURT, (RICHARD) actor and author of two dramatic pieces,
(for

young

promise

much

viz,

17t)6, 4to.

lude,
at

Fair Example," comedy, and " Prunella," interno date. He was born Tewksbury, in Gloucestershire,
;

'

The

4to.

and

received his education at the Latin school of that town but having an early inclination for the stage,
:

he stole away from

travelling

his father's

house

ELMY,

(Mrs.)

actress,

was

re-

spectable both in tragedy and come-

at fifteen years of age, and joined a company of comedians then

K2

at

ES
at Worcester, where, for fear of being in
matist's

ES
intention. As a companion, Estcourt is said to have been perfectly entertaining and agreeable; in the spectator, he is recorded not only as a sprightly wit, but a person of ease and natural politeness. He retired from the stage a short time before his death, which happened in

main

known, he made his first appearance woman's cloaths in the part of Roxthis disguise

But (Alexander the Great). not sufficiently concealmake his he to was him, obiiged ing escape from a pursuit that was made after him, and, under the appearance of a girl, to proceed with great expedition to Chipping Norton. Here,
ana,

1713, when he was interred in the parish of St. Paul's Covent Garden,
his brother comedian. Joe Haines, had been buried a few years

however, being di-covered, and overtaken by his pursuers, he was brought back to Tewksbury, and his father,
in order prevent such excursions for the future, soon after carried him

where

before.

ESTEN,

(Mrs.)

actress,

maiden

London, and bound him an apprentice to an apothecary in Hatton Garden. From this confinement he broke away, and passed two years He in England, in an itinerant life. then went over to Ireland, where he met with good success on the stage; and on his return to London, was reHis ceived in Drury Lane Theatre. first appearance there was in the part

up

to

name Burnett. Her mother, who wrote several novels, had experienced all the vicissitudes of life, but at last, through the death of her husband and father, who were Customlouse officers, became in 'ependent ; from her the daughter received her
1

in of Dominic, (Spanish Friar), which, though possessed of few natu ral abilities,' yet by a close imitation of Leigh, who had been a favourite actor in that character, he acquired some fame. Indeed in this, and all his other parts, he was chiefly indebt-

of a man-of-war, who had been introduced to her by her brother Thomas Pye Bennett, then a young officer in the navy. Mr. F.sten having failed in some speculation, of which great

theatrical instruction; and after a long courtship was married, though very young, to Mr. Esten, the purser

hopes were entertained, was

to leave his wife

ol

li^ed

and two children.

applause he received, to of miinickry, in which he inimitable ; and which not only at times afforded him opportunities of appearing a much better acior
for the
his

ed

Mrs. Esten, having now no friend hut her mother, was induced to attempt

powers

was

which had hitherto never been her wish. She first spoke in before Mr. Dawes, the countragedy
the stage,
sel, sic of

than he really was, by enabling him to copy very exactly several performers of capital merit, whose manners he remembered and assumed ; but also recommended him to a very nu-

merousacquaiiitance in private life.and secured him an indulgence for faults in which might his public profession, otherwise, perhaps, have never been pardoned. Among which, he was remarkable for that pitij'til ambition of imagining he could assist his author b)

so struck with the muher voice, her figure, manner, that he declared it as his belief, that she would, with care and attention, become a favourite with the public. Accordingly she was introduced to Mr. I Ian is, before whom she rehearsed but who advised her, before she appeared on a

who was

and expression,

London

stage, to practise in the

coun-

making additions
is

a liberty

This of his own. too often taken by even

She was recommended to try the Hath managers, where she made her entre, in Belvidera, (Venice Pieserved), and became a favourite at
Bath and Bristol. She then procured an engagement from the Dublin maand nager, performed afterwards at Edinburgh with so much success that Mr. Harris wasat last induced to give her an appearance at his theatre in Roselind, (As you like it), (Jet. VO, The applause she met with 17!W.

modern

actors,

who presume

to

in-

the troduce temporary sake of obtaining an ill-judged plau-

matter, for

not considering that they may rlit, th"reby violate the time and place
of action, and in all probability, injure the story by perverting die dra-

wa>

FA
was unbounded, and she performed d jrini; the whole of the season, without receiving any salary; but with the indulgence of appearing in whatever characters she chose; and toin addition to a tolerable share of public esteem, she received a free benelit. Notwithstanding her success, every exertion was made for some time, in vain, to procure her an engagement (agreeable to her wishes) for the ensuing season, but the characters in which she had her own choice, being chiefplayed by ly those in which Mrs. Siddons, Mrs. Jordan, an (then) Mi s Farren, were most admired. Mr. Harris was conscious that though she had pleased, she was by no means ett.il to her rivals: however, by the recommendation of a noble persouage, for which, it is said, she was indebted to the kind intercession of Mrs. Jordan, she procured at last an engagement upon very advantageous terms. SeeKEMBI.E, (S.)
i

FA
family, cation.
trical
left

and received a classical eduAnxious to becume a thea-

his

hero, he neglected his studies, friends, and joined a com-

wards the conclusion,

pany near Windsor. His first attempt was Joseph surface (School for Scandal), and as he then performed not for emolument, but was inpractice, dulged with all the characters he desired. He took, however, a benefit, and while speaking an occasional address, was surprised at the appearance of some of his nearest relatives
in the house. He applied in vain for a situation at Drury Lane, of which

was engaged by Mr. Miell, for WorHe performed one night cester, &c. at Covent Garden, for a benefit, in a

he had entertained some hopes

and

farce of his own (whidi was not recalled " The Dreamer peated),

man

F.VATT. (Mr.)
in

actor,

Pall Mall,

was and made

a shophis fust

theatrical

attempt in the country. He belonged some few seasons ago to

Covcnt Garden and the Haymarket Theatres, where he was a useful actor,

Awake, or Pugilist Matched. ' 1791 ; besides which, he wrote "The Maid of Normandy, or Death of the Queen of France," tragedy, 1793 ; " Consequences, or The school for Prejudice," comedy, acted at Worcester, 1794; "The Fatal sisters, or Casde of die F'orest ;" Dramatic Romance, 1797 ; and, " The Discarded Secretary, or Mysterious Chorus," Histowas
rical Play, 1798, which he in the possession of a

mond

though in trifling characters. In 179S he was the hero of the RichTheatre, where his wife also

performed, and who has since as-isied at a private theatre. In 1799 they were the hero and heroine at East

Bourne Thea're, &c.

EYRE,

(EDMUND JOHN)
is

actor
at
I

and author of dramas, performed

provincial theatres,

returned the copy, and that the idea of the " Cas;le Spectre," which was afterwards brought forward at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was evidenily borrowed from it This accusation, however, has not been sufficiently proved by the
publication of the piece.

who never

complains gentleman,

of a respectable

F.
FARIEY,
(Mr.)
actor,

was b

>rn

several.

near the iheatrc, and brought up to the ~u,'c from his infancy, having peiformed children's characters at Covcnt Garden, when about eight or He was afterwards rime years old. an assistant to the prompter, and as seen a- his age permitted, personated seivants. fops, &c. Having acquired
a
assisted in contriving

Being lately engaged at the theatre, he has attained a and has frequently perrank, higher formed several comic characters in a

summer

respectable manner. F ARK FN, (Mr.) actor, was intended for business, but during
ticeship he conceived a passion for the stage, and became a member of a spouting society in the Strand. He

hisappren-

knowledge of pantomime, lie has and getting up

was recommended

to

Mr. Yates, then

manager

FA
manager and proprietor of the Birmingham Theatre, who, pleaded with his voice and appearance, gave him instructions, and took him to Birmingham, where he made his first
appearance on the stage with evident indications of ability. Having conti-

FA
engagement) for the new undertaking; but through the interest of the managers of the Theatre Royal, the
intended opposition was frus:rated, and on the expiration of his term with Dr. Arne, Fawcett was re engaged by Mr. Garrick, for Drury Lane. He performed several seasons at Richmond, where he often took the lead as singer,

nued

his

probation in the country,

Mr. Yates brought him forward for Drury Lane, in the tragedy of " Medea," and such was
his wife's benefit at
his success, that for his pupil an

lage

Young Meadows (Love in >, Lord Aimworth (Maid

&c.

he readily ob;ained

Mill),

He

a Vilof the likewise played some

engagement, which he retained for some time as a respectable second-rate actor: but imagining himself ill-tieated by the managers, being refused the assistance of Mrs. Siddons on his benefit-night,

characters of importance in London, Mungo (The Padlock), Simkin (The Deseiter), Solomon (The Quaker), &c. In 1792 he performed at Bir-

mingham, and on
ed
nately

the night appoint-

for his benefit the theatre unfortu-

though that indulgence had been granted to Messrs. Palmer, Smith, Bensley, and Brereton, he left Drury Lane on the expiration of his articles, and engaged wi.h the manager of Covent Garden, where he made his first appearance in Othello, 1782. Though he never attained the character of a great actor, he always rose above mediocrity, and proved himself a useHe was engaged by ful performer. Mr. Colmanfor the Haymarket Theatre (1791), in consequence of Mr. Palmer's indisposition, where he played the character intended for Mr. Palmer, in the Surrender of Calais.

was burnt down.

His exer-

tions in behalf of distrest performers

have been frequently mentioned with deserved praise. A short time before his death a considerable legacy was
left

him.

FAWCETT, (JOHN) actor, son of the preceding, was born in London about 1769, and was intended for business

by

his

father,

who, though on

the stage himself, disapproved of the profession for his son, and bound him apprentice to a respectable tradesman in the city. Ambitious, however, to he eloped from tread his father's

He

died in 1795.
(Miss)

FARREN,
Countess
at
of.

See

DERBY,
was born

FAWCETT,
shire.

(Mr.) actor,
in

His parents were respectable, and at an early part of his life he wa> apprenticed to Dr. Arne, who engaged him at Drury Lane Theatre, under Mr. Garrick, in 1760 but ow;

High Wycomb,

Buckingham-

joined an itinerant assumed name of appearance is said to have been at Margate, in CourtaU" (Belle's Stratagem). Having met with encouragement at this place, he went to Tunbrtdge, where he attracted the notice of Mr. Cumberland, the dramatist, and was particularly favoured by Lord Abington, who gave him
his

master, and His

steps,

company with
Foote.

the

first

some

ing to some dispute between the manager and composer relative to Miss Brent, the doctor's pupil was neglected ; but was engaged about two seasons afterwards by Mr. Beard, for Covent Garden, where he made his first appearance in Dametius (Midas), and proved a considerable assistant Dr. Arne, in the run of the piece. Giardini, and others, having now formed a scheme for performing English Operas at the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, the doctor exhibited his pupil (who could not decline the

instructions in music. Having applied to the York manager for an

engagement, which Mr. Wilkinson

readily granted, he there played two characters in tragedy ; but on the de-

parture of Mr. Knight from the company, availed himself of the opportunity of appearing in

though

comedy, and, he had performed Romeo,

Douglas, Oroonoko, &c. with all the honours of a young beginner, yet the comic muse, from the greater applause which she brought him. became his favourite an.l in a subse;

quent engagement with

the York manager,

FA
manager, he made a positive stipulation that he should never l)e obliged to perform a tragic character again. He now married Mrs. Mills, then recently become a widow, and lus tame in low comedy having reached London, he received for himself and wife a liberal offer from Mr. Harris, whose company had then felt the loss of Mr. Edwin, and he made his first appearance as Covent Garden in Caleb (He would be a Soldier), at the

FE
as already mentioned, she gave her hand to this promising novice, who,

by her instructions, it is said, made such a rapid progress as comedian. She died in 1797, leaving behind her a daughter. FEARON, (Mr.) actor, was for several seasons at the Theatre Royal,

commencement
In 1795 he

of the season of 1791.

man

for the

was engaged by Mr. Colsummer seasons, and af-

cession from the

terwards took several of Mr. J. Bannister's parts, on that gentleman's selittle theatre. Mr. Colman, io order that he might the better devote his time to the muses,
has since resigned to him the direction of his theatre, of which he is at present acting manager. He has lately catered for the theatre:., and brought out two historical pantomimes, " Obi;

Covent Garden, and was a tuefut as He respectable comedian. died September 30, 17S9. was intendFENNEL, iMr.) actor, ed for the bar, but declined the study of the law through a predilection for the stage. He went to Edinburgh in 1787, choosing that remote place for
well as a
his theatrical essay, in order that his attempts, if unsuccessful, might be concealed from his friends, and, under the assumed name of Cambray, he there performed Jaffier, Othello, &c. The flattering reception he met with, induced him to hope for London approbation : accordingly, he

made

a personal application the suc-

Three fingered Jack," performed ' Peat the Haymarket, 1800; and
or,

rouse, or the Desolate Island," performed at Covent Garden, 1801 ; in winch he has discovered much ingeAs an actor, nuity and invention. his abilities are versatile ; the comic old man, or simple rustic ; the waggish servant, or pedantic master, he

ceeding winter (without any recommendation) to Mr. Harris, before whom he rehearsed a few speeches, and gave so much satisfaction, that the night was fixed on for his appearance.

He

still

retained his fictitious

represents with equal success. FAWCETT, (Mrs.) actress, wife of the preceding, maiden name More, was born in London, and made her
first

Sic. He then returned to Edinburgh, with the view of improving himself.

name, and made his debut at Covent Garden, in Othello, after which he played Jaffier, Alexander the Great,

The character

appearance upon

the stage at

Edinburgh, where she captivated Mr. Milis, then a comedian of high reputation in that ciiy.

They performed

together at several provincial theatres

of Jaffier was given to him, and Mr. Wood, who formerly was designed for the it, represented part of Pierre ; but, enraged at the exchange, though both characters have ever been deemed equally good, he complained to his friends of the
injustice of the

with success, and came to London in 17s i; Mr. Mills having procured an engagement at Covent Garden TheaAbout the same time Mrs. Mills tre. made her appearance at Drury Lane
Theatre, in the character of Imog n, but was not so fortunate as to obtain an engagement, and a disagreement soon after taking place between Mr.

manager, and on the

rising of the curtain, Mr. Fennel was called to an account for having taken the character of Jaffier from Mr.

and the proprietor of Covent Garden, they left London and joined the York company, where they beMills

Wr ood. Loaded with invectives by these plebeian critics, he was called upon to make an humiliating apology, which Ins pride then would not submit to, but which a few nights after he condescended to make. He then left the city, and engaged with the York manager. In 1789 he returned
to Covent Garden, where he performed for tliat season only. He then engaged in a periodical publication,

He died in great favourites. 17SS, and on Mr. Fawcett's becomWilkinson's member of a corps, ing
came

called

FE
" The Theatrical Guardian," which had not the desired effect ; for, instead of making friends he created
called

FI
only brought crowded piece nouses for several nights together, but

not

enemies: after which he attempted dramatic writing, and produced a " Lindor and Clara, comedy, called or the British Officer," which was acted at provincial theatres, and
printed in 1791.

to have turned a from channel, which, during the existence of that theatre, it never after so totally deviated, as it had done for a considerable time before.

seemed, by so doing,

the current

new

of public favour into

Mariamne," was tragedy called the youngest of twelve children, born at a town called Shelton, near Newcastle-under-Line, in Staffordshire. He was sent to the university, and entered of Jesus College, where he took the degree of Batchelor of Arts, in 170+. He was intended for the

FENTON, (ELIJAH), "

author of a

FIELDING, (HENRY) dramatist, &c. was born at Sharpham Park, in His Somersetshire, April 22, 1707.
father,

Edmund

Fielding, Esq.

(who

church, but having embraced principles very opposite to the government,

disqualified for the taking orders. Soon after his quitting the university he was secretary to the Earl of Orrery afterwards an
:

was the younger son of the Earl of Denbigh), was in the army, and towards the close of the reign of King George}, or the accession of George II, was promoted to the rank of a iieutenant-general. His mother was daughter to Judge Gould, and aunt to Sir Henry Gould, one of the Judges
of the besides

became consequently

Common
:

Pleas.

This lady,

been

first

Henry (who seems to have born), had another son and

and, in consequence

four daughters

usher to a country school, where it is supposed he was assisted by hi=; eldest brother, who had an estate of 10001. per ann. and to whom he constantly paid a yearly visit. He died July 13, 1730, and was buried at East Hampstead Park, near Oakingham, in Berkshire. His tragedy of " Mariamne" met with perhaps as much applause as any play that had appeared for many years, both before and after it; and indeed much more than could be expected, under the disadvantageous circumstances which attended the representation of it.
For, in consequence of the ill-behaviour of the managers of Drury

author had

of his father's second marriage, our six half-brothers ; one of

whom, John, succeeded Henry in the commission of the peace forthe county
of Middlesex, was knighted, as being a very distinguished personage in his situation, and died in 1781. Henry received the first rudiments of his education at home, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Oliver. He was then sent to Leyden, where he studied under the most celebrated civilians for two years: at the expiration of which time, the remittances from England not coming so regularly as at to return to first, he was obliged

Lane Theatre, who, notwithstanding

repeated promises to the contrary, had delayed bringing it on for three or
four years together he was induced, and indeed advised by his friends, to carry it to the theatre in Lincoln s Inn Fields, where he was assured that his interest should be strongly supported ; and indeed these promises were amply performed for although the theatre was then so entirely out of favour with the town, that for a long time before, the managers had scarcely ever been able to defray
; ;

commenced
and

England. Urged by difficulties, he dramatist in 1727, before he hid attained his twentieth year,

his first piece, though it immedisucceeded the long and crowded run of "The Provoke! Husband,"

ately

met with a favourable reception. About six or seven years af.er, he

married Miss Craddock, a young lady from Salisbury, possessed of a very great share of beauty, and a fortune of 15001. About which time also his mother dying, an estate at Stower, in
Dorsetshire, of

somewhat

better than

their charges, having frequently per-

formed

to

five or six

pounds,

audiences of about only the merit of this

2001. per annum, came into his -posThus comfortably affluent, session. and blest with a wife he was

whom

fond of to distraction, fur her sake he

was

FI
wjs determined to bid adieu to all the follies and intemperance of a town life, to which he had addicted himself, and retire to his country seat but family pride brought on him all the inconveniences in one place,
;

FI
lad

or

The

farce, 1732; "The Debauchee, Jesuit Caught," comedy,

The Covent Garden Tra1732; gedy," burlesque, 1732; "The Mi" The ser," comedy, 1732; Intriguing Clumber Maid," ballad farce, 1733; "Don Quixote in England," " The Old Man comedy, 1733; taught Wisdom," (now called "The Virgin Unmasqued,") ballad farce,' 1734; "The Universal Gallant ; or, Different Husbands," comedy, 17,34;

"

which youthful dissipation had in anThe income he possessed, though then sufficient for eae, and even some degree of elegance, was in no degree adequate to the support
other.

of either luxury or splendour. In short, in less than three years, from the mere passion of being esteemed a man of great fortune, he reduced himself to the displeasing situation of

"

Pasquin,"

satire,

1736

"Historical

having no fortune at all, and through an idle ambition of maintaining an open house for the reception of strangers as well as friends, he soon found himself without a habitation for him-

and family. Not discouraged, however, he determined to exert his best abilities, betook himself closely to the study of the law, and, after the customary time of probation at the Temple, was called to the bar, and made no inconsiderable figure in Besides draWestminster Hall. matic pieces, he produced several
self

1737 : " Tumble Down Dick ; or, Pha?ton in the Suds," dramatic enter-' " Miss tainment, 1737 , Lucy in Town," ballad farce, 1742; " Plutu*, the God of Riches," translation, (in

Register, for the year 1736," comedy, " 1737; Euridic'e," farce, (damned) 1737 ; " Eui idice Hissed ; or, Word to the Wise." (not acted)

which he was 1742 " The

;

assisted

by Mr. Young),

admhed
riodical

pamphlets, works, and

assisted in pe-

invented

the

Tom

pleasing histories of Joseph Andrews, As a dramatist, he Jc nes, &c.

between Juno and Mercury," 1713 ; or, Gocdnatured ; Man," comedy, acted and printed in 1779. His dramatic pieces are far from being contemptible : have a they sprightliness of manner, and aforcitlenessof character, which render them entertaining. Though but a young man, he had such viody,

1743

"

Wedding Day," comeInterlude

Jupiter,

" The

Fathers

was not always successful, having printed in the title page of one of his
farces,

it

" As it a- damned at the Theatre Roval Druy I ane !" which

lent attacks of the gout as rendered impossible for him to be so constant

at the bar, as the

laboriousness of his

profession required.

At length

his

" Love in several Masks," comedy, " The I72R; Temple Beau," ditto. 1730; "The Author's Kane, or Pleasures of the Town," 1730, " A Tragedy of Tragedies, or Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great," burlesque. " The Coffee-house 1730; Politician, or the Justice caught in hisownTrap,"
farce,
or,

curious recommendation of a piece to readers has been lately adopted by one or two of our modern authors. His plays are twenty-seven, viz.

whole frame of body was

shattered
i

so entirely

by continual inroads of complicated disorders, and the incessant fatigue of business, having through necessity been obliged to accept of the office of an acting magistrate in the commission of die peace for the county of Middlesex,

that

by the advice of

his

physicians,

A New Way to keep a Wife at " The Grub Home," ditto, 1731
;

1730;

" The letter Writers,

Opera," (called also Welsh Opera) 1731; "The Lottery," balStreet

lad farce.

1731;

The

Modem Un"The Mock

bind," comedy. 1732;

Doctor, or

Dumb Lady

cared,"' bal-

he set out fur Lisbon, and died in about '.wo months after his arrival His works have been there, 1734. " An published in different sizes with F.ssav on die Life and Genius of the Author, bv Arthur Murphy, Esq.'' ITZHENRY. (Mrs.) actress, maiden name t'l.innigan. Her father, an Irishman, kept the Old Kerry Roar, (a p'lhlic -house), at the lower end ot Abbey Street, Dublin, She eonI

turned

FL
timied for some time the business of embroidery, and contributed towards the support of her aged father. At intervals she entertained herself with a play-book. Mr. Flannigan's dwelling being then at Batchelors' Walk, contiguous to the river, the captains, and officers of the ships, lying in the vicinity, made it their place of ren-

FL
atrical undertaking.

He purchased not only Mr. Highmore's share of Drury Lane, but those of all the other partners; and so little value was then
set

upon the theatre, that the whole sum which he gave for them was hardly more than exceeded the half of what Mr. Highmore had before paid.
Previous to
this,

several of the actors

dezvous, and some occasionally lodged and boarded with him. One of these, Captain Gregory, then in the

had revolted, but a treaty was now opened, and concluded for their return to Drury Lane. Fleetwood's

Bourdeaux trade, engaged the attention of the daughter, and, having

procured her consent, they
united,
life;

were
for

and embarked together

did not give much sa: he made use of mean attractions : he brought all the inhabitants of Sadler's Wells upon his stage,

management
tisfaction

but an adverse storm intercepted them in their voyage, and the bridegroom was unhappily drowned. At this time her affectionate father
accordingly she went to London, late in the year 1753, and made her first appearance at Covent Garden Theatre in Hermione, (Distrest Mother), Jan. 10, 1754, after which she performed A proAlicia, (Jane Shore), twice. vincial accent impeded her success on the English stage, though her abilities were acknowledged to be great. She
:

and entertained the public with sights of tall monsters, and contemptible
rope-dancers.
theatre,
fn

On

the closing of the

Fields,

Goodman's

he

also died, and the stage to be her only resource

now seemed

come

at the annual inof 5001. ; but his ignorance of theatrical business proved him incapable of displaying to advantage the talents of a Garrick, or the humour of a Clive ; and his extravagance,

engaged Mr. Garrick

and absurd conduct rendered their exertions

vain

to

save

the

theatre

returned to Dublin, and was engaged by the then Irish managers, (Victor

and Sowden), at 3001. pet season when her fame so much encreased
;

from destruction. The profits which arose from the acting of his best plays were appropriated to his favourite amusements ; the theatre was farmed to one Pierson, his treasurer, who had lent large sums of money to the
this fellow considered the merits of the best actors in no other view than as they contributed to the payment of his loan. The just and legal demands of the actors were treated by him with insolence and

manager

that she ventured to perform again at Covent Garden, in 1757, which

expedition was attended with both honour and emolument. After this she became the ornament of the Irish
stage for several seasons, and was married to Mr. Fitzhenry, a young lawyer of family and abilities. She was left a second time a widow, with a son and daughter, for whom, by

her professional exertions, she

made

an ample provision, and retired from the stage during Mr. Daly's management, naving in her farewell address strongly recommended Mr. Kemble (who had then played several characters with her)

contempt. He was civil to Mr. Garrick, indeed, because he hoped, by his acting, to get back the money he had risqued upon the patent. In this distracted state of Fleetwood's management, the itl treatment of the players seemed to call aloud for redress. Bailiffs were often in possession of the theatre ; and the proper-

public.

to the notice of the She died at Bath in 1790.

other stage ornaties, cloaths, and ments of the comedians, were sometimes seized upon by these low im-

FLEETWOOD, (CHARLES) manager, was a gentleman possessed of a considerable fortune at one period of his life, of which a small portion only remained at the time of his thei

plements of the law. Many ridiculous contests and foolish squabbles happened between the actors and these licensed harpies. The hat of King Richard the Third, by being a-

dorned with jewels of paste, feathers,

and

FL
and other ornaments, seemed
Sheriff's officers a
;

FL
to the
I.

r.i.

prey worthy of but honest Davy, Mr. Garnet's Welch servant, told them, they did not know what they were about " For, look you," said Davy, " that hat belongs to the King." The fellows, imagining that what was meant of Richard the Third, was spoken of George the Second, resigned their prey, though with some reluctance. Fleetwood not only increased the displeasure of his actors, but was likewise at war with the public at large. The gentlemen or the inns of court insisted that the price of the pit should be reduced from 3;. to the then common price of 2s. 6d. and the gallery from 2t.to Is. oW.but it was urged in favour of the proprietors that having engaged foreign dancers at high rates to entertain the
their seizure
:

brought forward 1130

Mr. Macklin 9/. a -week, and 61. 6s. a week, certain, far his wife, who acted a few
times
-

525

clear benefit,

and
-

paying 50/. Mrs. Woffington week certain -

her's -

233 250

7/. 10/.

a
-

By a

clear benefit Cloaths

71.
-

180

50 250
180

Mrs. Pritchard week certain

10s. .
-

a
50
200
140

By a
Mr.

clear benefit
61.

Cloaths
Mills, jun.

certain

....
-

a week

By a

Mrs. Clive

benefit, paying 25/. 15/. 15*. a week

town, they must fulfil their contracts, but that another year they would not require the advanced price. To enable them to keep their promise, they not only forbore to make other engagements, but refusedto give to the actors their former salaries ; without which several of them determined not to
act. The following account was therefore publi>hed to shew their exorbitant demands in comparison of

- 525 certain - 200 By a clear benefit Cloaths 50 Tickets at her benefit, asby

...
-

agreement

21

N. B. The benefitsare com- 4001 pitted by the account of 1419 13 1 the house, and no computation made of gold 2581 6 It tickets, which are sometimes very considerable.

The
the the

actors,

however, gave

in an-

former

actors.

other account, In order to prove that

Computed
Mr. WilksV
nagement

at

In the Year 1708 and

acting
-

200 days playing.

9.
/.

/.

d.

and ma-

By benefit, Mr. Betterton 4/. a week, and \l. a week his wife,

250 paying charges 90 14

166 13 4 though she did not act By benefit, paying charges 76 4 a Mr. Estcourt bl. week - 166 13 By benefit, paying charges 51 8 Mr. Cibber si. a week - 166 13 8 By benefit, paying charges 51 4 Mr. Mills, sen. 4/. a week - 133 6 8

By benefit, paving charges 58 Mrs. Oldiieid 4/. a week - 133 By benefit, paying charges 62
Cloaths
-

above was fallacious ; and about end of the summer, 1743, thejr found leisure to digest a plan for removing the grievances under which they had so long patiently suffered. About a dozen of them, the chief of whom were Garrick, Macklin, Havard, Berry, Mrs. Pritchard, and Mrs. Clive, Mills and his wife, and Makes, entered into an association, to which others were invited. A formal agreement was signed, in which they obliged themselves not to accede to any terms which might be proposed to them by the patentee,
without the consent of
that the
all

6 8
7
5 9
1

the sub-

scribers.

13

The players were in hopes Lord Chamberlain would be

to grant

induced

them

his

favour and

1419 13

In the fear 17 12 and'i.

I.

s.

d.
j

Mr. Garrick/<w<JiY/eonly
" clear
iug
benefits,
-

630

and lpay-

50.'.

500
;

They drew up
LJ2

protection, and, in imitation of one of his predecessors, the wittvand benevolent Earl of Dorset, grant them a licence or patent for acting pla;sa the O.iera House, or elsewhere
a petition, in

which
they

11

FL
they stated their grievances very exactly, and supported' their claim to redress from a variety of facts which they offered to prove. The Duke of
then chamberlain, Grafton, received the petition with coldness instead of examining into the merit of their complaints, he desired to
;

FO
decently on the shipwreck of his fortune. Two bankers, Suin and Amber,

who was

became the purchasers, and adMr James Lacey to a third share, on condition that he would unmitted
the

dertake

management

of

the

the amount of their annual He was much surprised to be informed that a man could gain, merely by acting, the yearly salary of 5001. His Grace observed, that a near relation of his, who was then an inferior ofjicer in the navy, exposed his life in behalf of his king and counAll try, for less than half that sum.
stipends.

know

theatre, and mortgage his portion of the patent till the profits should have empowered him to discharge the debt. Fleetwood having thus disposed of his patent by public auction,

now abandoned

his country, and terminated his life abroad. His eldest son was on the stage he made his first appearance at Drury Lane in the
:

attempts to convince the Duke that justice and right were on the side of
the petitioners were to no purpose. Whilst the players were thus busy in gaining friends to their cause, and to promote their success with the Lord

1759; his person was elegant and handsome, and great expectations were formed of his theatrical success but widi all the advantages of a good understanding and education, his voice seemed con:

character of

Romeo,

in

Chamberlain, Fleetwood was endeavouring to raise recruits amongst all

the itinerant actors in England. Before they proceeded to greater hostilities, eacli party strove to justify their cause by appealing to the public from the p^s. The contest between the managers and seceders

sumptive, and his powers deficient. He met with a flattering reception the first night, but the more he played the less he pleased either the audience or himself. Being ambitious, and of strong discernment, he soon found the drama would not enable him to
live in that stile of lucrative
riority, at

supe:

which he only aimed

he

soon became very unequal. The latter found all application for a new patent ineffectual, and they were obliged to agree with the manager upon the best terms that could be
obtained.

therefore, in less than two years experiment of stage enterprise, retired irom the theatre, and engaged, it is said, in an undertaking in the West
Indies, where, it is supposed, he rapidlv made a fortune. FLORID, (C. M.) composer, is said
to

To

the

principal

per-

formers, Fleetwood granted the same annual stipends, which they had en-

have been born

in

joyed before their secession but the inferior actors he abridged of half their income. To all he was reconand as ciled but to Mr Macklin chiefly to him he ascribed this revolt of the players, he banished from his theatre the man who had been once
; ;

of foreign extraction. He composed " the music for the opera of the Egyptian Festival," 1800, and the critics

England, though

allowed

it

to

the piece.

have more merit than The author and composer

disagreed (as reported) respecting the introduction and situation of some of the airs but certainly the former
:

his favourite, adviser, and bosom In 1744, Fleetwood grew friend. tired with a manner of living which

had the better

business.

right to ascertain this

brought with it nothing but continual vexation and anxiety: he was at last
prevailed

has provided music for other pieces, which have done the composer but little credit, particucarlv

He

" Who's the Rogue," ISO!, &c.

the

upon

to advertise

the re-

maining term of his patent, which was then reduced to about three or four years, with a view to pay off his most pressing incumbrances, that he might be enabled to retire to some place on the continent, where he could live

mime, was

actor in pantoson of an itinerant the illfga! opening performer. of the Royalty Theatre wiih '' As you " Miss in her like it," and Teens," his father played Puff in the latter He and his son performed topiece.

FOLLET, (JOHN)

On

gether

FO
'gether at the Circus,

FO
'denly imbibed a strong inclination for the profession. She was introduced by Mr. Woodfall, then proprietor of a

and the old man,

es he was going home at night to his lodgings in Rosemary Lane, fell down and broke his leg, of which he died.

Whatever
it
is

abilities

the father might

made

have possessed

in the oratorical

way,
best

certain his son,

who was

known by the familiar appellation of Jack FolUt, could never make any
progress towards attaining the celebrity of a Rosctus : he therefore wisely availed himself of the advantages

Morning Paper, to Mr. Harris, and her first appearance at Covent Garden Theatre in the character of of Moggy, on the first representation "
O'Keeff's

No young Highland Reel," 1788. lady, it was remarked, ever came before the public witli greater confibut the remarkable liveliness ; she displayed, made ample compensation for the want of that modest diffidence which is so pleasing in female candidates. She was engaged for three years conditionally, but the manager and she parted at the end of the first season. She then went to Edinburgh, and was afterwards engaged by Mr. Colman, as a substitute for Miss George, at the Haymarket Theatre, where she remained a few

musical piece of

The

dence

nature had given him in an athletic frame and strong muscular powers, by tui ning his thoughts to pantomime, in which he so well succeeded, that he has scarcely left his equal in

the representation of a clown. He had a particular method of walking in a position in which his knees were so inverted as nearly to touch the stage, a striking proof of the strength of his muscles. At one period of his
life his agility

and he

was equal to his strength, has frequently taken leaps

which Harlequin could not accomplish, to the no small chagrin of that motley gentleman. Jack had made

Summer seasons. FOOTE, (SAMUEL)

dramatist,

actor

and

Cornwall.

who

many

applications to the London theatres, but in vain ; however, on Mr. Delpini's secession from Covent Garden to assist the late Lord Barry-

contract,

sioner of the prize office, and fire was Member of Parliament

at Truro, in His father, John Foote, enjoyed the posts of Commis.

was born

for Tiverton, in Devonshire ; and his mother, being heiress of the Dineley

theatricals, a sudden proposal came to Jack from the manager, to which he chearfully consented, though the terms were by no

more's private

means

and Gooderefamilies, (inconsequence of an unhappy and fatal quarrel between the two brothers) came into the possession of five thousand pounds
a year. Foote received the rudiments of his education at Worcester College, which owed itsfoundation and change of name (from Gloucester Hall) to Sir T. Cooks Winford, Bart, a second cousin of his. From thence he reto the Temple, being designed for the study of the law, where, it is more than probable, his great oratorical talents, and powers of mimicry

lucrative.

He

performed at

Covent Garden for about seven years previous to his death, during which time he was frequently honoured with From his open royal approbation. disposition, and honest bluntness, he
his brother performers, by whom his .premature exit, which happened at the age of thirty-iwo, Feb. 7, 1799, was unanimously regretted.

conciliated the good opinion of

all
j

moved

would have shewn themselves

life

in

actress (Miss) sent to a boarding school by her mother, who was a resident many years in London. The daughter, on

was

FONTENELLE,

Early in very conspicuous manner. he came into the possession of an

the extraordinary added to

'

ample fortune, but

an

liveliness of his disposition,

finishing her education, discovered so much agreeable vivacitv, that the stage was suggested to 'her by her

friends, with the

and though unacquainted drama, having seen but few

representations, she

theatrical

sudI

quickness of parts, rendering him a very desirable comsoon formed a large he very panion, circle of acquaintance, and, joimng wilh them in all the dissipations of the times, found himself in distress
in

uncommon

FO
in a very few years. In a whimsical moment, he thought of the stage as a field for fame and fortune, and play-

ed

Othello at the Little Theatre at

season, he produced another piece of the same kind, which he called " An Auction of Pictures." In this he introduced several new characters, all,

the Haymarket as a trial part. But he soon abandoned tragedy, and afterwards appeared in Fondlewife, Lord Foppington, Sir Paul Plyant, and

however, popular ones, and extremely

many other characters, with success. At last he struck out a new and untrodden path, in which he, at once, hit off the tone of his genius, afforded entertainment to the public, and emolument to himself. This was

well known, particularly Sir ThoVeil, then the acting Justice of Westminster ; Mr. Cock, the celebrated auctioneer, and die equally

mas de

famous orator Henley. This piece had also a considerable run. From the success of his talents in this way, he proceeded to pieces of somewhat more regularity, viz. " Taste," co-

by taking on himself the double character of author and performer, in which light, in 1747, he opened the Little Theatre in the Haymarket, with a dramatic piece of his own writing, " The Diversions of the Morn-called ing." This piece consisted of nothing more than the introduction of several reIl-known characters in real life, Whose manner of conversation and exhit in the diction of his
still

medy, 1752
ditto,

Paris," ditto, 1753

Paris," farce, " The Author," comedy, 1757

1754 ; turned from

'

" The Englishman in " The Knights/' The Englishman re;

1756 "
;

The

pression

this

author had very happily

drama, and

happily represented on the stage, by an exact imitation, not only of the manner and tone of voice, but even of the very persons of those whom he intended to take off. Amongst tfiese characters, there was
better
certain physician, who was much known by the oddity and singularity of his appearance and con-

more

Occasional Prelude, 1767; " The Devil upon Two Sticks," comedy, " The Lame 1768, printed in 1778 ; " The Lover," comedy, 1770 ; Maid of Bath," comedy, 1771, printed 1778; "

Morning," farce, 1758 ; " The Minor," comedy, 1760 ; " The Liar," comedy, 1761, printed " in 176+ ; The Orators," comedy, 1762 ; " The Mayor of Garratt," farce, 1763 ; " The Patron," comedy, 1764 ; " The Commissary," ditto, 1765 ;

Diversions of

The Nabob
"
;

ed 1778
1773 1773
;
;

versation, than from his

eminence

in

his profession. A celebrated oculist, (who was at that time in the meridian of his popularity) was also another object ; and, in the latter part of the piece, under the character of a thea-

Pattens," farce, " The " The Bankrupt," comedy, Cozeners," comedy, " The Capuchin," 1774, printed 1778 ; and comedy, 1776, printed 1778 " A Trip to Calais," comedy, 1778.
;

;" comedy, 1772, printPiety in

he took off, with great accuracy, the several of acting of the performers of both theatres. This performance was stopped after the second night, through the interest, and at the request of Mr. J. Lacey, then patentee of Drury Lane Theatre ; but the author, being patronized by many of the principal notrical director,

humour and
styles

These, though called comedies, are all From the year 1752 to petit pieces. the year 1761 he continued to perform at one of the Theatres every season as fancy or interest directed his choice, generally for a stated number of nights, and on these engagements he usually brought out a new In this course he went on, piece. till a very pressing embarrassment
in his affairs obliged him to perform the Minor, at the Haymarket, in the

others, this opposition was overruled, and with the alteration of the title of his piece to that of " Mr. Foote's giving Tea to his Friends," he proceeded without further molestation from the magistrates, and represented it, through a run of upwards of forty mornings, to crouded and
bility,

and

summer of

1760, with such a company as he could hastily collect. The success of this attempt suggested to him the idea of occupying that theatre

when

splendid

audiences.

The ensuing

tlie others were shut up, and until the season before his death, he regularly perfoimed there, and acquired a very considerable income. On February 7, 1766, he had the

from 1762

FO
the misfortune to fait from his horse while at Lord Mexborough's seat on a visit, by which he broke his leg, and was afterwards obliged to make use of an artificial one. It is supposed that this accident (which superstition declared was a judgment on him for
ing,
:

having mimicked a lame character)

facilitated his

went to bed, where he was seized with another fit, which tasted three hours he then seemed composed, and inclined, to sleep, but soon began to breathe in a moaning tone, and at length, fetching a deep sigh, expired. He was buried in Westminster Abbey. As an actor, his powers of imitationwere
so great as to give additional As force to his merit as a dramatist.

which he obtained the same year,

In 1776, he drew a character, intended for a lady of quality, then much talked of, who had influence enough to obtain a prohibition to the play being represented ; and in the controversy which this incident occasioned, imputations, the most foul, were thrown out against his character.

application

for a patent,

July 9.

an author,

his abilities

have been cen-

real and his percharacters on sonality raised him many enemies, the chief of whom was a printer, ridiculed in the character of Peter Paragraph but a writer who thus exposes folly takes the best method to correct
the stage,
:

sured for the introduction of

Scarcely had

this

dispute subsided,

it,

and though

his

works may not be

when those foul imputations were renewed in a legal charge against him by a drunken servant, whom he had but the accusation was dismissed proved to originate in malice, and he was honorably acquitted. The shock, however, preyed upon his spirits, and
;

relished

he resolved to dispose of his patent to Mr. Colman. Jan. 16, 1777, the parties met, agreeable to their ap)>ointment, and executed the articles which confirmed the latter's purchase of the
former's patent, together with all his property in the Haymarket theatre. By the terms of the demise, Mr. Colman obliged himself to pay Mr. Foote a clear annuity of 16001. per annum, by four quarterly payments ; he also
stipulated to pay Mr. Foote a handsome sum for the right of acting all
his

unpublished pieces. Mr. Foote, on the other hand, agreed to put Mr. Colman in immediate possession of the premises, and engaged not only to give him the refusal of all such dramatic writings as he might hereafter produce, but also to perform on no other stage in London than that of the Haymarket Theatre. A few months afterwards, Mr. Foote was seized with a paralytic fit while on the stage ;

by posterity, yet he not only entertains tne present age, but tends to reform the vices of mankind. This dramatist indeed did not seem to aim at immortality his plays, written for the present moment, are hasty sketches but though unfinished, are the evident productions of a man of genius. Few authors can boast of having written so many different pieces. Some are stilt occasionally represented, and though much of their satire is lost, afford entertainment, and promise to live longer than many of our modern comedies of five acts, which boast of no characters either living or dead. His forte was the exhibition off character, or rather caricature, in which, though he was more a painter for effect, than the holder of a delicate pencil, for boldness of outline, and strength and truth of colouring, he stood unrivalled. His dialogue in'

from which he recovered sufficiently to spend the summer at Brighthelmstone, and from thence, on the approach of winter, was advised to remove to France. He reached Dover October 20, 1777, intending immediately to proceed to Calais ; but complaining of a shivering next morn-

general is terse, easy, and witty. His scenes teem with true humour, and, under the mask of infinite pleasantry, convey the strongest satire. No dramatic writer ever paid less attention to the fables of his plays, and yet there are not to be seen, in the whole round of modern pieces, so many striking pictures of vice and folly as have been drawn by this author ;

" may be truly said to have caught the living manners as they rose," and to have had the happv art of presenthe
ing whatever he designed to exhibit, in a point of view so truly ridiculous, that every auditor was under the necessity

FQ
general laughter excited, and left the theatre not the less amended for having been uncommonly well entertained. FOOTE (SAMUEL) actor and manager at Plymouth, &c. is of a respectable family, and for many years held
tessity of joining in the

FR
actor, born in Ireland, and was for some time a performer at Smock Alley, and Crow

FOTTERAL, (JAMES)
Theatres.

Street

His

indiscrimi-

nate ranting in tragedy, frequently afforded so much diversion to the

galleries, that, with partial plaudits, they have seemed to vie with him in noise. In some few comic parts, particularly the dancing-master in tiie " Son in Law," of which character he was the original representative inDublin, he met with deserved apHe has performed at severalplause.

a commission

in the army ; but disappointed of the promotion to which he justly looked forward, he was in-

to quit the service, and retire into private life ; soon after which, having, by his occasional performances in the fashionable private theatricals, acquired a taste for the drama, he became the purchaser of the Plymouth theatre, which he rebuilt and fitted up in an elegant style. He then be-

duced

provincial theatres in England.

tragedies,

came

performer, and acquired considerable reputation at the provincial theatres in the contrasted characters of the Stranger and Doctor Lenitive,
Prize) Macbeth,
i Ghost)

Conceived, Eugenia," 1752, and stantine," 1754, was the son of a dignified clergyman, who was born in Ireland, dean of some cathedral, and also rector of St. Mary, Dublin ; from

FRANCIS, (PHILIP) author of two which were but coolly re" "

and FarmerHarrow,

Charles Surface (School for Scandal) and Walter (Children of the Wood,) About the year 1796, he managed the theatre at Exeter for Messrs. Hughes and Trueman, the He married (about proprietors. 1798) Miss Hart, daughter of Charles Hart, Esq. of Hampshire, a young accomplished lady, with a handsome fortune, and has consequently declined any further theatrical pursuit

&c

on account of his Tory principle?, he had enjoyed his living eighteen years. The son was also bred to the church, and had a Doctor's degree conferred on him. He was a considerable political writer, and at the desiie of Lord Holland, was promoted to the rectory of Harrow, in Suffolk, and to the chaplainship of
after

whence he was ejected by

the court-

Chelsea Hospital.

He

died at Bath,

March

5, 1773.

beyond Plymouth, the place of his residence, at the distance of two miles from which is a neat winter theatre, opened in the town adjacent to his ^fajesty's dock-yard, called the Dock Theatre, which belongs to Mr. Hughes; but these gentlemen (Messrs. Foote and Hughes) now find it to their mutual advantage,
particularly
in the

dary drama, called "The Enchanted Wood," acted at the Haymarket Theatre, 1792. It was founded on Parnell's Poem of " A Faiiy Tale, in the ancient English style." he auI

FRANCIS,

(Mr.) author of a legen-

Summer, to consolidate their interests and to have performances in both the

theatres alternately, Mr Foote always taking the direction of the business. FORREST (THEOPHILUS) author of a musical entertainment called
]

have been very young it, and it appears from the great difficulty he met with in bringing it forward, and the little encouragement which was afterwards given to his promising muse, that he
thor
is

said to

when he produced

" The Weather Cock," performed

only twice at Covent Garden Theatre, and which took its name from an observation " that woman's mind is
like

has laid aside his pen. FRANCKI.1N, (Dr. THOMAS) dramatist, was the son of Richard Francklin, printer of a ministerial paper, called the Craftsman. By the advice of Mr. Pulteney, it is said, he was devoted to the church, with a promise of

a weathercock,"

was an

attor-

ney, and had been concerned many years in adjusting the law affaits, which arise in the theatrical world. He died Nov. 5, 178 K

being provided for by who afterwards forgot

ing,

that patriot,
his

undertak-

and

was from whence he went

entirely neglected him. educated at Westminster school,

to the

He

University

GA
of Cambridge, where he became fellow of Trinity College, and was some time Greek professor. In Dec. 1758, he was instituted vicar of Ware and Thundrich, which, with the lectureship of St Paul, Covent-Garden,
siry

GA
vent Garden

wrote

He printed. "The Wandering Jew;

not

also
or,

and
all

a chapel in

Queen

Street,

were

His drathe preferments he had. matic works for the stage are " The
Earl
nefit,

of

Warwick,"

translation, acted for

acted

1769 1774

"

Orestes, 1766, Mrs Yates's betranslation,

;
;

The Contract," cotragedies. medy, 1776. His name is to a translation of Voltaire's works, and of a
ylay from
Lucian.

"

" Electra," Matilda,"

1775,

all

Love's Masquerade," farce, acted at " A Drury Lane, 1797 ; Trip to the Nore," an occasional musical enter" The Outtainment, ditto, 1797 ; laws," musical entertainment, ditto, 1798 not printed ; " Gander Hall," farce, acted one night for a benefit at the Havmarket Theatre, 1799 " Embarkation," musical en" tertainment, 1799 and the Egyptian Festival," comic opera, 1800.
; ;

See FLORIO.

FROWDE,
of

two

He had

great

Inn Fields,

tragedies, acted as Lincoln's " The Fall of viz. Sagun-

(PHILIP)

was author

merit, which was eclipsed by envy. He died March 15, 1784.

FRANKLIN, (ANDREW)
tist, is

drama-

cess,

a naiive of Ireland, and brought out a musical entertainment on the Irish stage about the year 1785, called " The Hypochondriac," the music by Giordani. In 1792, he produced a farce, called "The Mermaid.' which was acted at the Theatre Royal, Co-

tum," 1727, and Philotas," 1731, neither of which met with much sucJhough allowed to have considerable merit.' His father was postmaster general in the reign of Queen Anne, and the son, while at Oxford

"

College,

was

by

Mr

Addison.

particularly distinguished He died at his lodg-

ings in Cecil Street, Strand, Dec. 19, 1738.

G
name Cheney, made her first appearance at Drury Lane in 1763, in the character of Miss Prue, (Love for Love) and afterwards performed at

GARDINER, (Mrs) actress, maiden

to London, (1782^ she brought out a farce, with songs, on the same occasion as before, at the Haymarket. " The Female Dramatist," called

the Haymarket in several of Mr Foote's pieces, with applause. Her husband was also on the stage, but never appeared in characters of consequence. August 9, 1777, she produced a comedy at the Haymarket, for her own benefit, called " The Advertisement ; or, A bold Stroke for a Husband," and leaving England the

and afterwards played occasionally, and attempted (sola) an entertain-

ment
and

of her own composition. GARRICK, (DAVID) dramatist

actor, was born at Hereford, tit the year 1717. His father, who was a captain in the army, and had distinguished himself in Queen Anne's wars, and in the suppression of the rebellion two years before, was just

On her year, went to Jamaica. return, she visited Dublin, and performed at the little theatre in Capel Street, about-theyear 1781, when she quarrelled with the managers about a piece which she had written, and
same
which, according to promise, they were to have brought out but such was the then miserable situation of
:

returned from Ireland, and upon his march to the head-quarters at Litchfield, when bis wife was suddenly taken ill. Her indisposition terminated in the birth of this astonishing
theatrical

genius, who was a few weeks afterwards conveyed to Litchwhere he was educated, with field,

that theatre, that if they had, she could not either have derived from it fouie or emolument. On iicr return

several brothers, at the Free School, and then placed under the tuition of Dr. Johnson ; who in a great measure formed that taste and judgment, for

which

GA
which
his pupil was so remarkable. After he had finished his studies, be-

GA
at one single step, to that height of perfection which maturity of years, and long practical experience, had not been able to bestow on the then capital performers on the English
stage,

ing designed by his father for a merchant, he embarked for Lisbon, where his uncle was established in a very extensive branch of the wine trade. He continued with this gentleman near twelve months ; but upon some disagreement soon after returned to His separating from this metropolis. his uncle by no means forfeited the esteem of the latter; for, upon his

was a pha?nomenon which could not but become the object of

universal speculation,

and as universal
of
this

admiration.
bright star

The rumour

embarking for England, he presented him with the sum of 10001. In the year 1736, he was entered in the
honourable society of Lincoln's Inn, and from his wit and humour soon became an acceptable visitor in the best companies. Having h?d a recommendation from Mr. Wahnsley to Mr Colson, master of the school at Rochester, he went there with a view
to finish
his education.

appearing in the east flew with the rapidity of lightning through the town, and drew all the Theatrical Magi thither, to pay their devotions to this new-born son of Genius. The theatres towards the Court End of the town were deserted ; persons of allranksflockingtoGoodman'sFields,where Mr Garrick continued to act till the close of the season ; when, having very advantageous terms offered him for performing in Dublin, during some part of the summer, he went over thither, where he found the same just homage paid to his merit,

He

after-

in the wine trade his brother, Peter Garrick. His passion for the stage, with which he was early possessed, at length seemed to absorb all others ; and he deter-

wards engaged

with

which he had received from

his

own countrymen.
the

To

the service of

to make an experiment upon without hazarding his reputation. this view, being very intimate with Mr Giflard, the manager of the theatre at that time in Goodman's Fields, he went with him upon a summer's excursion to Ipswich, where he passed for Mr Giffard's brother-inlaw, and assumed his wife's maiden name of Lyddal. His first performance in thistown was Abcan (Oroonoko) after which he played Sir

mined
it,

With

latter, however, he esteemed himself more immediately bound, and therefore, in the ensuing winter, engaged himself to Mr. Fleetwood, then manager of Drury Lane Playhouse, where he continued till the year 1745.

Mr Garrick was
his

in

particularly cautious choice and repetition of cha;

racters

his

came

his

prudence

ambition never overhe always con;

sulted with the best critics, and submilted cheerfully to their corrections. On his fir>t performance of King Lear, several defects were pointed out to

Harry Wildair, (Trip to trie Jubilee) (Fop's Fortune) and Chamont, (Orphan.) The warm reception he met with determined him to quit the law, and pursue the profession of an actor and in the month
Clodio,
;

him by Mr. Macklin, and when he repeated the character, and enquired his further opinion, being told that he
it worse, he declined the character for some time, and afterwards performed it to the delight and astonishment of that veteran critic. It was not in Lear alone that Garrick

played

December following, he played at Goodman's Fields. The character he first represented in London was that
of

exercised

this

caution

he carried

his

of King Richard 111. in which, lrke the sun bursting from behind an obscure cloud, he displayed, in the very earliest dawn, a somewhat more than meridian brightness. In short, his excellence dazzled and astonished

prudence thro'almost all the principal parts of comedy and tragedy, and those characters which particularly had been preoccupied by persons of
In ihus pur*established reputation. suing his reputation with caution and foresight, he was scarcely ever misled to persevere in characters where he lost ground. His Othello was a re-

every one

man, in and a Hovice

and the seeing a young no more than his 24th year,

;

to

tlie

stage,

reaching,

markable

GA
willing to take in such a conspicuous part the great circle of his professional talents, he attempted this very difficult character, where, independent of all judgment and taste, there is a demand of figure and tones of voice perhaps superior to the who'e range of the drama ; but though his ainbi ion templed him to a trial, his judgment would not suffer him to continue in it. Two addi tional motives may have
this
i

GA
m
with him, from their united representations, after deducting the incurred expenccs. He told him, at the same tune, that he must expect nothing from his friendship, for he owed him none but ail that the best actor had a right to command, he might be very certain should be Mr. Garrick was at Colonel granted. V\ yndham's when he received this and letter, having looked it over, he put it into the Colonel's hand, saying, This is the oddest epistle 1 ever saw " It in my life." may be an odd one, (the Colonel replied, after he had perused it) but it is surely a very honest one 1 should certainly depend upon that man who treated me with such openness and simplicity of heart." When Mr. Garrick arrived at Dublin, he soon had a meeting with Mr Sheridan, who offered to fulfil his promise of sharing profits and loss : but the former insisted upon a stipulated sum for playing during the winter. The other objected 10 the
profits
:

markable instance of

this

probably determined him to abandon The one was, the character. great success of Mr. Barry in it, and the other the sarcasm which Mr.

duin made upon

his

when asked
Mr. Garrick

by a lady

how he
"

performance,
liked
!

u black like Pompey attending " with a boy, tea-kettle, who fretted and " fumed about the stage but I saw " no Othello." Garrick had not only judgment in relinquishing a part that he found, upon experience, was unlit for him but he had such a knowledge of his own powers in other cha"
;

" Madam the Cynic) Psha " no such (replied there was a little
thing

in Othello.

Othello,

demand, and

that a whole college of witcrackers could not flout him out of racters,

persisted in his first proposal, which, he said, was more reasonable, for then he would receive as much money as he earned, and others

his

humour," when he found he was

Quin, for instance, attempted to be equally witty and severe on his " Sir John Bruie, by calling it Jacky Brute ;" but Garrick persevered in
right.

the character

notwithstanding,

and

the town, to the last, admitted the In 1743, a sort justice of his choice. of competition, or rivalship, was set

might not be losers, when, perhaps, he might be the only gainer. After some little dispute, (which Mr. Sheridan decided by taking out hi. watch, and insisting upon an answer in a few minutes) Mr Garrick submitted. The principal characters were divided between them. Some times they acted parts of importance
I

alternately,

Hamlet, Richard

111. 6cc.

Sheridan, who had acted several parts at Drury Lane, and Mr. Garrick, by officious friends, which occasioned a quarrel beiween them, and which was unreconciled when Sheridan left London, (see SHL-

up between Mr.

R1DAN, THOMAS.) However, Mr Sheridan knew and acknowledged the

worth of Mr. Garrick, and as soon as he heard his intention to visit Ireland again, he wrote him a letter to this " That he was then sole purport, manager of ihe Irish stage, and should be very happy to see him in Dublin, and that he would give him all advantages and encouragement which In be could in reason expect."' short, be made an offer to divide all

IriJi theatre llii, year was more splendid and more frequented than usual,and was also assisted by Mrs. Wot j tington. Satiated with caresses from all ranks of ]>eople, and after having considerably added to his stock of money, Mr. Garrick left Ireland, and arrived in London, May 1746' when Mr. Rich having been persuaded by his friends to seize tins favourable opportunity
;

The

of

closing

his

theatrical

with eclat and advantage to himself, as well as with adJitional honour and

campaign

emolument

to Mr. Garrick, bargained with him to act five or six nights, and to share the profit;. This was the iast time Mr. Garrick performed as an

hired actor, for, at the cla>e of that 2 season,

GA
season, Mr. Fleetwood's patent for the management of Drury Lane having expired, and the new managers, who were bankers, having, from the pressure of times, stopped payment,

GA
ing such a large number of Frenchmen in an English theatre, at a time of open war with their countrymen.

Nothing could justify

this

unexpected

Mr. Garrick,

in conjunction

with Mr.

Lacy, the then deputy manager, purchased the property of that theatre, together with the renovation of the patent, and in the winter of 1747, commenced manager with the best part of the former company, and the additional strength of Mr. Barry, Mrs. Pritchard, and Mrs. Cibber, from Covent Garden ; afterwards Mossop, Woodward, &c. July 1749, he was married to- Mademoiselle Viletti, the most capital dancer in Europe, and universally admired for her beauty and accomplishments. Thimcing this change of condition would expose him to some sarcastic wit, he endeavoured to anticipate it indeed the guarding against distant ridicule, and warding off apprehended censure, was a favourite peculiarity with him through life thus, when he first acted Macbeth, he was so alarmed with the fears of critical examination upon his new manner, that, during his preparation for the character, he devoted some part of his time to the writing of an humourous pamphlet on the subject, which was entitled, in which will be Essay on Acting considered the mimical behaviour of a certain fashionable faulty actor, &c. To which will be added, A short
:
:

attack but an exclusion of the English in preference of foreigners ; but that was not the case, for all England and Ireland were raisacked to fill up the various figures projected by the composer. The prejudices of the people were so violent, and so openly divulged against the "Chinese Festival," that the king was prevailed upon to give a kind of sanction to this entertainment, by a royal command, on the first night of representation ; but the presence of a crowned head was not sufficient to curb that ill-placed zeal against papists and Frenchmen which had seized many well-meaning people. The good old king being told the cause of the uproar, seemed to enjoy the folly of the hour, and laughed very heartily. The inhabitants of the boxes, from the beginning of the dispute, were inclined to favour the exhibition of the festival, and very warmly espoused the cause of the managers against the plebeian part of the audience, whom they affected to
1

look

down upon
pit

The

with contempt.

and

galleries

became more

"An

Criticism

on

his acting

Macbeth.".

In the summer of 1754, Mr. Garrick invited the celebrated Mr. Noverre to enter into an engagement with him for the ensuing winter, and to compose such dances as would surprize and captivate all ranks of peoBut between the planning of ple.
this public diversion, and the representation of it, hostilities commenced

opposition of the people of fashion, and entered into a strong alliance to stand by each other, and to annoy the common enemy. Several gentlemen of high rank being determined to conquer the obstinacy of the rioters, jumped from the boxes into the pit with a view to seize the ringleaders of the fray. The ladies at first were so far from being frightened at this resolution of the gentlemen, that they pointed out the
this

incensed by

obnoxious persons with great calmness. Swords were mutually drawn,

and blood shed.

The females

at last

between England and France ; and as if we had at the same time declared war against ingenuity and the polite arts, the uninformed part of the people, stimulated by others whose envy of superior merit and good fortune
is

ever disguised with the specious spirit, denounced vengeance against the managers, and particularly Mr. Garrick, for employ-

shew of public

gave way to their natural timidity ; they screamed out loudly, and a furious uproar ensued. The contest between the boxes and the other parts of the house was attended with real distress to the manager-, for they knew not now which party they could One would not oblige with safety. give way to the other, ami they seemed to be pretty equally balanced at Ujt, after much mutual abuse, loud
:

alterca-

GA
altercation,

GA
M which, at his desire, a }lonkey, friend in London got printed, to
his reception there. The. pleasure of the public on his return universal, and the king honoured

and
that

scuttles, the

and many violent blows combatants foil upon which could make no resistance,

prepare

ruinous business, Mr Garrick himself in a very odd situation

his life

the materials before them. They demolished the scenes, tore up the benches, broke the lustres and girandoles, and did in a short time so much mischief to the inside of the theatre, that it scarce could be repaired in several days. During the heat of this
felt
; he danger from

was

his first

thought the ungovernable rage of the people, who threatened to demolish hu, house. He who had been so long the idol of the public, was now openly abused and execrated. He found himself reduced to the necessity of seeking protection from the soldiery. The mob indeed went so far as to break his windows, and to commit other acts of violence. In l76\},thisgreatactor, accom-

was

in

panied by his wife, made the tour of France and Italy, her native country, and was received with the highest

the play of Much ado about Nothing," in which he was received with loud and repeated applau-.es.On the death of Mr. Lacy, joint patentee of Drury Lane with Mr Garrick, in 1773, the whole management of the theatre devolved on the surviving sharer of the patent. He was now advanced to within a few years of threescore ; he had been much afflicted with chronical disorders, sometimes with the gout, which was rather an occasional visitor than a constant companion ; but more often with the stone an 1 gravel, which never left him without an unkind token of a speedy return. To relieve himself from the excruciating pains of this dreadful disorder, lie was persuaded to use lixivium,and other soapmedicines,which\
in tlie
his health.

appearance by commanding u

marks of distinction by the first characters in the principal cities he visited. A circumstance happened while
he wasat Rome, which shews
derful
his

end, proved very prejudicial to Notwithstanding the fre-

wontoo

powers of expression

in

striking a light to be omitted.

Hav-

ing dined one day with some of the most celebrated English, French, and
Italian
artists,

particularly

Battoni,

Cochin, Mr. Dance the painter, and his brother the architect ; the conversation turned upon the delineation of the passions ; in the course of which, Mr. Garnck made many judicious observations, and illustrated them by alternately throwing his features into the representations of love, hatred, terror, pity, jealousy, desire, joy, &c. in so rapid and striking a manner as

quent relapses into this distemper were alarming, his friends thought that a retirement from the stage, while he preserved a moderate share of strength and spirits, would be more unfriendly to him than the prosecution of a business which he could make a matter of amusement, rather than a
toilsome imposition.

When

it

was

once known that Mr. Garrick was in earne>t to part with his moiety of the
patent, several bidders offered themNot to dwell immediately. long on a transaction so publicly known, in the beginning of January,
selves

1776, he entered

into articles with

astonished the whole company, who acknowledged it the first mutation of nature they had ever met with. He exhibited before the Duke of Parma, by reciting a soliloquy of Macbeth, and he had friendly contests with the celebrated Mademoiselle Clairon, at
Paris.

He

1765.

returned to London, April But before he set out from

Calais, put in practice his usual

me-

Richard Brinsley Sheridan, Thomas Linley, and Richard Ford, Esqrs. for the sale of his moiety, on paying the sum of thirty live thousand pounds.- He finished his dramatic race with one of his favourite parts, Felix (the Wonder, a keeps a Secret.) In Christmas, 1778, Mr. and Mrs. Garrick were invited to the country seat of Earl spencer, where they had fre-

Woman

ol preventing censure, and blunting the edge of ridicule, by antici" The sick pation, in a poem called

thod

In quently been welcome guests. the midst of that social happiness and rational pleasure which every body enjoys with that noble family, Mr.

Garnet

GA
Garrick was seized with a terrible fit of his old disorder. His having the herpes, or what is commonly called the shingles, at the same time, which
perfectly covered his loins,
sicians said

GA
were
also attendants at the funeral;

and, with unfeigned sorrow, regretted

ihe loss of so great
1

an ornament to

alarmed

found him dressing himself, and seemingly in good health, but somewhat alarmed that he had not, for many hours, discharged any urine, when his constant practice had been. Tor some years, to make water every four hours. Mr. Lawrence observed to him, that this was no sufficient cause to make him uneasy but when, on the next day, he found the same symptom continue, he judged it proper to acquaint Dr. Cadogan with it. The doctor conceived it to be of so serious a nature, that lie told Mr. Garrick his disorder was so uncertain in its progress that it was necessary to inform him, if he had any worldly affairs to settle, it would be prudent to dispatch them Mr. Garrick asas soon as possible. sured him, that nothing of that sort and that he was not lay on his mind The distemper was afraid to die. the fluids incessantly gaining ground not passing in their natural course brought on a kind of stupor, whicli
; ; ;

Mrs. Garrick greatly, though the phyit was a matter of no importance. He was so well recovered of his disorder, the gravel and stone, that he determined to set out for London. He arrived at his house in the Adelphi on Friday the 15th of January, 1779. The next day he sent for his apothecary, Mr. Lawrence, who

their profession and so munificent a benefactor 1 their charitable institution. His first dramat c piece, i- The

Lyinp Valet," was written and produced while he was at Goodman's Fields Theatre, 1741. This was followed by ' Miss in her Teens ; or, the Medley of Lovers," farce, 1747; "

" tional title of yEsop in the Shades," 1745 ; " Florizel and Perdita," pasdramatic entertainment, 17.V7 ; " The Male Coquet ; or, Seventeen Hundred and Fifty Seven," farce, 1757 ; " The Guardian," comedy, in two " The Enchanter acts, 1759 ; ; or, Love and Magic," musical drama, " 1760; Harlequin'slnvasion," speaking pantomime, 1761, not printed; " The Farmer's Return from Lon" The Clandon," interlude, 1762 ; destine Marriage," comedy, 1766, Colman assisted in the (Mr. this, parts written by Mr Garrick were Lord Ogilby, Canton, and Mrs Heidel" Neck or berg ;) Nothing," farce, " 1766; Cymon," musical romance, 1767 ; " A behind the Curtain ; Peep or, the New Rehearsal." farce, 1767 ; " The Jubilee," dramatic entertainment, 1770. This piece, though it
toral, 1756, printed 1758

Lethe," dramatic satire, 1740, afterwards performed with the addi-

"

Lilliput,"

ferior to

contains several fine passages, is inMr. Garricl>s other produc-

increased gradually to the time of his death, which happened on Wednes-

day morning, January 20, 1779, at Mr. eight a'clock, without a groan. Garrick 's disease was pronounced by Mr. Potts to be a palsy in the kidnies

On Monday, February 1, his body was conveyed from hi? own house in the Adelphi, and most magnificently interred in Westminster Abbey, under the monument of his beloved
Shakespeare. He was attended to the grave by persons of the first rank
,

and the Jubilee, in honour of his favourite Bard, was, from the prodigious c influx of company, a continued scene of confusion, and, in the opinion of many, juady merited the following satirical description of it given by Mr. Foote, in his Devil upon
tions

Two
is

Sticks

lately

" A Jubilee, as it hath appeared, (said the humourist)

:

a public invitation, circulated and urged by puffing, to go post without horses to an obscure borough without
representatives, governed by a and Aldermen who are no
strates, to celebrate a great

Mayor
Magimusic

by

men

mous him living, and lamented

illustrious for genius, and fafor science ; by those who loved

his

death.

own works have made by an Ode without

poet whose him immortal,

poetry,

Twenty-four of the principal actors of both theatres, who composed the two committees of the playhouse funds,

without melody, dinners without victuals, and lodgings without beds ; a masquerade where half the people

ap-

GA
appeared bare-faced, a horse-race up to tfte knees in water, fire-works extinguished as soon as they were lighted, and a gingerbread amphitheatre, which, Hke a house of cards, tumbled to pieces as soon as it-was finished !" " The Institution of the Order of the 177! ; Garter," occasional piece,

GA
which he found himself possessed of, he quitted that occupation, and applied himself to the study of the muses. In 1712, he became a secretary, or rather domestic steward, to the Dutchess of Monmouth, in which station he continued till the year 1714, when he accompanied the Farl of Clarendon to Hanover, whither that nobleman was dispatched by Queen Anne. On the death of the queen he returned to England, and lived in the highest estimation with persons of
the
first

"The

Irish

Widow,"

farce, 1772;
;

Christmas Tale," 1774

" The Meet-

"A

ing of the Company," prelude, 177 1, not printed ; " Bon Ton ; or, High Life above Stairs," farce, 1775 ; " May Day," ballad opera, 1775; and "The Theatrical Candidates," prelude, 1775. He altered the following pieces
:

" Romeo and

his

Juliet,"

"

Every

Tempest,"
farce,

Humour," (Ben Jonson's) " Catherine and

(Shakespeare's

Man in "The

Shrew); "

"

Game-ters," (Shirley's); or, Fatal Marriage;" " Girl." Cymbeline," " The Country (Wycherley's) ; King Arthur," (Dry"The Chances," (Beaumont den's); and Fletcher's) ; ' Albumazar," (Tomkin's); "Alfred," (Tompson's) ; 'tRule a Wife, and havea Wife," (Fletcher's) ; " was Mahomet," (Miller's,) &c. He " High supposed to be the author of Life below Stairs" and other anonymous pieces. His prologues, epilogues, songs, &c. are numerous ; and he amended the works of several playIsabella;

" The

Petrucio," Taming the

distinction. He was particunoticed by Queen Caroline, then of Wales, to whom he had the princess honour of reading in M.S. his tragedy of " 1 he Thus countenancCaptives." ed, he had numberless promises of preferment, and naturally expected to have been genteely provided for. Instead of which, in 1727, he was offered the place of gentleman usher to one of the youngest princesses, whice he thought proper to refuse, as he deemed it rather an indignity to a
larly

man whose talents might have been so much better employed. This occasioned some warm remonstrances his sincere and zealous patrons,
;

and
(he

Duke and Duchess of Queensberry, mortified at the manner in which he

was
in

slighted,

disgust.

withdrew from court However, the very ex-

wrights.

(Mr.) actor, has performed at almost all the provincial theatres, and has ftequently been seen in London. During Mr. Ryder's management he played in Dublin, and was at the RoyaltyTheatiewben opened by the late Mr. Palmer. His wife
assists in

GAUDRY,

traordinary success Mr. Gay met with from public encouragement, made him ample amends, both with respect to satisfaction, and emolument, for those disapointments he experienced through the fal:e promises of the In the season of 1727-8, apgreat.

peared

his

"

Beggar's

Opera," the
only-

chorusses,

&c. and

his

daugh-

vast success of

which was not

to the stage from her infancy, having played the Prince in " The Battle of Hexham," the first season of its representation.
ter

was brought up

scended from an

dramatist, was deanuent family in born at Exeter, in and Devonshire,

GAY. (JOHN)

1688. He received his education at the free school of Barnstable, in that county, under the care of Mr. Rayncr, and was bred a mercer, in but having a small torthe Strand tune independent of business, and considering die attendance on a shop as a degiadation of those abilities

unprecedented, but almost incredible. During the first season in London, it had an uninterrupted run of 63 nights, and met with equal approbation the ensuing season. It spread into all the great towns of England was played in many places to the thirtieth aud fortieth time, and at Bath

Wm.

an. I Bristol fifty. It made its progress into Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, in which last place itwasacted for twentyfour successive nights, and ia-t of all

was performed at Minorca. Nor was the fame of it confined to the reading and representation alone, for the
it

GA
the card-table and drawing-room shared with the theatre and closet in this respect ; the ladies carried about the favourite songs of it engraven on their fan-mounts ; and screens, and other pieces of furniture, were decorated with the same. Miss Fenton. who acted Polly, though till then in obscurity, became suddenly the idol her pictures were enof the town graven, and sold in great numbers her life writtenbooks of letters and verses to her published pamphlets made of even her sayings and jests
'

GE
after

Marriage," comedy, " Dione," pastoral, 1720

Captives. Galatea,"

Acis and tragedy, 1723 ; pastoral opera, " "1732; The Achilles," opera, 1733; Distre t Wife," 17 3 ; and " The Rehearsal at Gotham," 1754. These three last were posthumous works.

"

"

; " The

1717

He

is

said to

have been morally ami-

able, affable, gene. ous, agreeable

and
is

entertaining.

His only foible, which

too

common with men of great literary

was an excess of indolence which prevented him from exerting

abilities,

and she herself received to a station, in consequence of which she attained the highest rank a female subject can
acquire, having been married to the Duke of Bolton. In short, the satire of this piece not only exposed the follies of the great, by which mean?

the full force of his talents. He died in December, 1732, at the house of the Duke and Dudiess of Qjieensberry,
in

Burlington Gardens, and was bu-

ried at Westminster

bey,

where a
his

monument was
mory
at

erected to

me-

the author triumphed over his false friends, but retarded the progress of the Italian Opera, which had hithert<

been the
as
is

idol of the fashionable,

who,

still

the practice,

delighted in

the expence of his aforementioned noble benefactors At the time of his death, he had saved several thousand pounds. It is to be remarked, that the " Beggar's Opera," whi h still continues a favourite en-

hearing what they did not understand, and applauding what deserved no The profits of this piece was praise so considerable both to the author and Mr. Rich, the manager, that it gave rise to a quibble, which became frequent in the months of many, name" that it had made Rich gay, ly, and Cay rich ;" and it was asserted, that the author's emolument was not The less than two thousand pounds.
!

tertainment, is generally performed without the characters of the Beggar

and Manager, which not only destroys the title of the piece, but spoils even the plot and satire. The second part, ' Polly," was performed (without

much success) during the elder M r. Colman s management at the Ilaymarket. GENTLEMAN, (FRANCIS) dramatist and actor, was born in Ireland October 23, 1728, and received his education at Dublin, where he was schoolfellow with Mr Mossop. His father was in the army, and at the age of fifteen the son obtained a commission in the same regiment but at the conclusion of the war in 1748, was dismissed the service, by his regiment
;

uncommon

success of this piece induced Mr. Gay to write a second " Polly," 1729, part to it, called which was prohibited by the Lord in Chamberlain, consequence of the
disgust which subsisted between him the court, at the very time when every thing was in readine&s for the rehearsal of it. This appearance of persecution, however, raised the au-

and

being reduced.

On

this

event he

in-

dulged
Dublin

and made
in

his inclination for the stage, his first appearance at

thor many subscribers, and he reaped no small profits from its publication in quarto, and still preserved his fame, which, probably, the represen-

the

character

of

Aboan

COroonoko.)

Understanding that a

legacy was left him by a relation, he came to London, and spent the little
tion. He then was engaged at the theatre in Bath, where he remained for some time. Afterwards he went

jured,
first

tation of the piece might have init being very inferior to the

property he had in a

fruitless

expedi-

His other dramatic pieces part. were, "The Mohocks." an occasional satire, 1712; "The Wife of Bath," d'ye call comedy, 1713; "The what " Three hours it," burlesque, 1715;

to Edinburgh, and belonged to several companies at Manchester, Liverpool,

Chester, &c.

Tired of a public

lift-,

he

GI
market town about twenty miles from York, he then
where he married, and, expecting to have been provided for by the Marquis of Granby, to whom lie was recommended, he removed to London, but was disappointed in his expectations by the sudden death of his patron. In 1770, he was engaged at the Haymarket by Mr Foote, where he remained for three seasons, having been discharged at a time of peculiar
settled at Malton, a

GI
market, she was engaged by Mr. Colman, where her vivacity in chambetmaids her simplicity in country girls, &c. not only obtained the approba^ tion of the public, but insured her a

embarrassment known

to

the

ma-

permanent situation. Occasionally she performs at Covent Garden, but her voice is not so well calculated for the great winter theatres, as it is for the little summer one. GIFFARD, (Mr.) actor, was manager of the old theatre in Goodman's Fields, where he met with some success,

nager, without any satisfactory reason being assigned. He then returned to Dublin, and was engaged by Mr. Ryder. Having experienced all the
all

He took a farce from chard II." Benjonson. called "The Coxcombs," 1771, and produced 'The Stratford " Jubilee,"comedy, 1769; The Sultan; or, Love and Fame," tragedy, 1770 " Cupid's Kevenge," pastoral, 1772; *' The Panthe'onites," dramatic enter" The Modish tainment, 1773 and
; ;

hardships the disappointments of a friendless author, he died December 18, 1784.- He altered * Sejanus," " Oroo" Ri' Tobacconist," and noko,"

of a

wandering

actor,

and

original proprietor, who for building and opening this theatre met with a great opposition from many resectable mer-

abandoned by the
Mr. Odell,

scheme was notwithstanding the

chants and citizens, and even from

Mr.

the clergy, who preached against it. Giffard also purchased Mr. Booth's share at Drury Lane about the year 1733, which he sold a^ain to

Mr. Fleetwood, being concerned in a new magnificent playhouse, built by

subscription,
at

Goodman's

Fields,

Wife," comedy,

177.5.

He also

pro-

duced several other pieces, not published, and some not performed. GEORGE, (Miss) actress, was some years ago member of the Haymarket Theatre, where she was the original Wowski, in Inkle and Yarico. She
married -a gentleman well known in the fashionable world, whom she accompanied abroad, and has since per-

notwithstanding the ill fortune which attended the other theatre at diis place, and opened October 2, 1732, with the play of " King Henry IV." Here, however, Mr. Giffard did not long remain. By the advice of his friends, he took the theatre at Lincoln's Inn Fields, which was then de-

company to the new playhouse at Covent Garden in 1733 and having

;

serted through the departure of Rich's

opened this theatre in 1735, continued manager of it two ensuing years.

Still he retained his interest in the house at Goodman's Fields, to which he afterwards returned ; and, under his management, Mr Garrick made

formed at Philadelphia. GIBBS, (Mrs.) actress, whose godfather was the late Mr. Palmer, made her rirst appearance when very young at the Haymarket Theatre, in Sally, (Man and Wife) 1783, and was re-

his

first

During
this

ceived with much applause, but quitted the stage at the conclusion of the season, on account of her tender age. In 1787, she played Biddy, (Miss in her Teens) the first night of the illegal opening of the Royalty Theatre, and gave universal satisfaction. She continued at this theatre during Mr. Palmers management, performing in pantomime, and speaking occasionally in addresses.

Garrick's performances, theatre flourished ; but on his departure, Giffard and his wife made the best terms they could with the proprietor of Drury Lane.

Mr

appearance

in

London.

GILDON, (CHARLES)
in the

dramatist

On

the secession ot
I

Mrs. Stephen Kemble from the Hay-

beginning of the century, was born of Romish parents at Gillingham, near Shaftsbury, in Dorsetshire, in 1665, where he received the first rudiments of his education, and was sent, at the early age of twelve years, to Doway, in Hainault, where he was entered in the English college of sc-

cular

GI
cular priests, with a view of being brought up to the priesthood. His
inclination, however, took another turn, and at nineteen years of age he returned to England. When he be-

GL
managers of the Theatres Royal,- wh
exerted
against
son.
their
interest

effectually

came of age, and possessed of his paternal estate, he came up to London, and being of a gay disposition, soon dissipated his fortune, and encreased his embarrassments, bymanyinga lady without property. Necessity then prompted him to write for the stage, and his first attempt was at the age of

own

He composed music for several pieces, which lie brought out at his theatre, and afterwards for Mr. he was engaged in Daly's, by

it. Mr. Giordani married in Dublin the daughter of Mr. Wilkin-

whom

178.5. His compositions, though not always original, gave great satisfac-

tion

for

even where he borrowed, he

displayed considerable judgment.--He is now teacher of music in Dublin,

He brought out two trathirty-two. gedies in the beginning of the century, " Love's Victim viz. or, the Queen ; of Wales," 4to. 1701 ; " The Patriot;
or, Italian Revenge," 4to. 1703 ; previous to which, he wrote two other " The Roman Bride's Retragedies,

and has pupils

of the

first

distinction.

GLENVILLE, (PHILIP)

actor,

is

" Phaeton venge," 1697 ; and or, ; the Fatal Divorce," 1698. He also altered Shakespeare's " Measure for Measure," giving it the additional " title of Beauty the best Advocate," 1700. He likewise wrote two critiques in a dramatic form, entitled,

native of Ireland, and has performed on all the Irish stages, sometimes a tyrant in tragedy, and at other times a servant, cooler, Serjeant, or Irishman in comedy. He also takes vocal parts. With the profession of an actor, he has generally united some business, having been formerly a hatter, and being now a dealer in spirituous liquors.

" A Comparison between the two

Stages
tical
;

with an Examination of the

Generous Conqueror, and some CriRemarks on the Funeral, or, Grief Alamode, The False Friend, Tamerlane, and others, in Dialogue," 8vo. 1702 ; and " A New Rehearsal or, Bays the Younger; containing an Examination of the Ambitious Stepmother, &c. all written by Nicholas Rowe, Esq. also a Word or two upon Mr. Pope's Rape of the Lock
; ;

(RICHARD) two tragedies, viz. " Boadicea," acted at Drury Lane 1753, and " Medea," 1761. This last was written on the model of the Greek tragedy, and was several times acted for the benefit of Mrs. Yates, who performed the principal character. Mr. Glover was brought up in the mercantile way,
in

GLOVER,

author of

to which is prefixed, a Vindication of Criticism in general, by the late Earl of Shaftesbury," 12mo. 1714. Mr. Pope rewarded this critic with a place in his

whicli he made a conspicuous figure, and, by a remarkable speech that he delivered. in behalf of the merchants of London, at the bar of the House of Commons, about the year 1740, previous to the breaking out of the Spanish war, acquired, aud with great justice, the character of an In 1751, able and steady patriot.

Dunciad.

None

of

his

dramatic

pieces met with much success. died Jan. 12, 17234.

He
com-

poser, ami was manager, in conjunction with Mr. Leor.i, of Capel Street

GIORDAM, (THOMASO)

having, in consequence of unavoidable losses in trade, and perhaps in some measure of his zealous warmth for the public interest, to the neglect
of his

own

private

emolument, some-

what reduced

Theatre, Dublin, in 17834. He of foreign extraction, and, while

is

in

London, his name was frequently confounded with that of another composer's, Giardini, who. about the year 1761, had, with Dr. Arne, formed a scheme of performing English Operas at the King's Theatre in the Haymarket, which was frustrated by the

his fortune, he condescended to stand candidate for the place of Chamberlain of the City of London, in opposition to Sir Thomas Harrison, but lost his election there After by no very great majority. which he lived in retirement, and declined taking any active part in public affairs. Having, at length, surmounted difficulties, he was elected

Member

GO
Member
on
patn
for

GO
in I7(il,

Weymouth,
'

ami

several occasions diplayed a truly

ilicspirit.

HediedNov.'2">, 1785.

GLOVER, Mrs.) See Retterton, Mr. GOLDSMITH, (OLIVER) dramawas born at Forney, in the county of Longford, in Ireland, 17J1. His father, who possessed a small estate in that county, had nine sons, of which Oliver was the third. He was originally intended for the church; and, with that view, after being well instructed in the classics, was, with his brother the Rev. Henry Goldsmith,
tist,

received a considerable fortune by the death of his uncle. They continued together until they arrived at the south of France, where, on a disagreement, they parted, and our author was left to struggle with all the difficulties that a man could feel, who was in a state of poverty in a
foreign country without friends I lis desire of seeing the world, was not abated by any hardships ; he persisted
in
his

scheme,

placed in Trinity College, Dublin, about the Litter end of the year 1749. In this seminary of learning he continued a few years, when he took a
Bachelor's degree, but his brother not being able to obtain any preferment after he left the college, Oliver, by the advice of Dean Goldsmith, of Cork, turned his thoughts to the study of physic, and, after attending some courses of anatomy in Dublin, proceeded to Edinburgh in the year 1751, where he studied the several branches of medicine under the different professors in that University, which was deservedly ranked among the first schools of physic in Europe. His beneiicent opposition soon involved

finances were so low" as to oblige him to travel on foot, and acquire a lodging and subsistence from almost the charity of the peasants, who were

though

his

repaid by

his

some tunes on

entertaining them with a German flute. At

length his curiosity being gratified, he bent his course towards England, and arrived at Dover about the beginning of the winter, 1758. When he came to London, his stock of cash did not amount to two livres. An
en'ire stranger in this metropolis, his mind was filled with the most gloomy reflections on his embarrassed situation. With some difficulty he discovered that part of the town in which his old acquaintance Dr. Sleigh resided. This gentleman received him with the warmest affection, and liberally invited him to share his purse
till some establishment could be procured for him. Goldsmith, unwilling to be a burden to his friend, a short time after eagerly embraced an offer which was made him to assist the late Rev. Dr. Milner, in instructing the young gentlemen at the academy at

him in unexpected difficulties, and he was obliged precipitately to leave

Scotland, in consequence of engaging himself to pay a considerable sum of money for a fellow student. A few

days after, a')out the beginning of the year 1754, he arrived at Sunderland, near Newcastle, where he was arrest-

ed at the suit of one Barclay, a taylor, in Edinburgh, to whom he had given By the good security for his friend. offices of Laughlin Maelane, Esq. and Dr. Sleigh, who were then in the college, he was soon delivered out of the hands of the bailiff, and took his passage
on board a Dutch ship to Rotterdam, where, after a short stay, he proceeded to Brussels: he then visited great
part
of Flanders, and, after passing

Peckham, and acquitted himself greatly

to

the

Doctor's satisfaction for a

short

some reputation by

; but, having obtained the criticisms he had written in the Monthly Review, Mr. Griffith, the proprietor, engaged him in the compilation of it and, re;

time

some time at Strasbourg and Louvain, where he obtained a degree of Bachelor in Physic, he accompanied an English gentleman to Berne and Geneva.

solving to pursue the profession of writing, he returned to London, as the mart where abilities of every kind were sure of meeting distinction and reward. As his finances were by no

me.ins
to

in a good state, he determined adopt a plan of the strictest orco-

On

his arrival at

wa> recommended
to travel Willi a

Geneva, he proper person young man, who had

as a

nomy, and took lodgings in an obscure court in the Old Bailey, where he wrote several ingenious little The l.-ue Mr. Newberv; wiio pieces.

at

GO
at that rime gave great encouragement to men of literary abilities, Be-

GO
of a literary club, to which he belonged. Besides his two comedies, he " The brought out a farce called
as

came

a kind of patron to our young

one author, and introduced him the writers in the Public Ledger. Fortune now seemed to take some notice of a man she had long neglected. The simplicity of his character, the integrity of his heart, and the merit of his productions, made his company very acceptable to a number of respectable families, and he

of

racter,

emerged from h shabby apartments in the Old Bailey to the politer air of the Temple, where he took handsome
chambers, and lived

The
and

in a genteel style. of his "Traveller," publication " Vicar of Wakefield," was followed by the performance of his " Good-narired Man" of the comedy at Covent Garden Theatre, 1768, and placed him in the first rank of the poets of the day. During the last rehearsal of his comedy, intitled, " She
his

altered from Sedley, As to his cha1772, not printed. it is strongly illustrated by Mr, " In wit a man, simpliPope's line, The character of the city a child." " Good-natured Man," in his comedy of that name, he drew for himself, but notwithstanding the benevolence he boasted, his biographers insist that it was tainted with envy, and it is said that he carried his jealousy to such a childish extreme, that he was emulous both of every thing and

Grumbler,"

every body. The first knowledge M r. Garrick had of his abilities was from Goldsmith's attack upon him in a " pamphlet entitled The present State of Learning in Europe." Little did the author imagine that he should be one day obliged to ask a favour from

stoops to Conquer ; or, the Mistakes of a Night," 1772, which Mr. Colman had no opinion would succeed, on the Doctor's objecting to the repetition of one of Tony Lumpkin's speeches, be-

the director of a theatre. However, when the office of Secretary to the Society of Arts and Sciences became vacant, the Doctor was persuaded to offer himself a candidate. He was told that Mr. Garrick was one of the

ing apprehensive it might injure the play, the Manager, with great keenness, replied, " Psna, my dear Doctor, do not be fearful of squibs, when we have been sitting almost these two hours upon a barrel of gunpowder."

leading members, and that

his interest

would be of consequence. He waited upon the manager, and requested his vote and interest. Mr. Garrick
could not avoid observing, "thatitwas impossible he could lay claim to his recommendation, as he had taken
pains to deprive himself of his assistance, by an unprovoked attack upon his management of the theatre."-Goldsmith bluntly answered, " in truth he had spoken his mind, and believed

The

piece, however, contrary to Mr. Colman's expectation, was received with uncommon applause by the au-

dience ; and Goldsmith's pride was so hurt by the severity of the above observation, that it entirely put an

end

man

to his friendship for the gentleHe had been for that made it.

some years afflicted, at different times, with a violent strangury, which contributed not a little to imbitter the part of his life ; and which, united with the vexations he suffered upon other occasions, brought on a
latter
this

what he said was very right." The manager dismissed him with civility, and Goldsmith lost the office by a very great majority. When he had finished the " Good-natured Man," he offered it to Mr. Ganick. The manager was fully conscious of his merit, and perhaps too ostentatious of his

kind of habitual despondency. In unhappy condition he was attacked by a. nervous fever, which, being improperly treated, terminated in his dissolution on the 4th day of April, 1774. His remains were privately
deposited in the Temple burialground, and a monument afterwards erected to liis memory at the expence

own

abilities

to

serve

dramatic

author.

Goldsmith was, on his side, as fully persuaded of his own importance. Mr. Garrick, who had been so long treated with the complimentary language paid to a successful patentee, expected that the writer
should esteem the patronage of his play as a favour. Goldsmith rejected
all

GO
ideas of kindness in a treaty that was intended to be of mutual advantage,
all

GO
and pass their time in merrimentIt was not till ten years after, that
something
in

he was certainly right.was willing indeed to acthe cept play, but he wished to be courted to it; and the Doctor was not disposed to purchase his friendship at the expence of his sincerity.

and

in this

Dr. Goldsmith's beha-

r.

Garrick

viour struck me with an idea that he was the very man, and then Johnson confessed that he was so ; the novel " Vicar of Wakewas the

charming

field."

then applied to Mr. Colman, who accepted his comedy without hesita-

He

GOODALL,
name
Stanton.

(Mrs.) actress, maiden Her father was ma.

tion.

Another striking feature

in his

character should not be omitted. He received the sum of one hundred guineas for the copyright of a poem,

which a friend remarked to him was a great price for what had cost him
but
it

The author agreed little trouble. was too much, and absolutely went to the bookseller and returned him

his money, declaring that his remuneration should be according to the profits of the sale of the piece, and which he left entirely to the publisher. Notwithstanding the great success of his pieces, by some of which
it is

nager of a Sharing Company, in Staffordshire, and the daughter was consequently introduced to the public when very young. Her first attempt was in tragedy, and through her father's interest she procured an appearance at Bath, where her performance of Rosalind (As you like it) gave much satisfaction, and ensured ner an engagement for the comic line. In about three years after, she became the wife or Mr.
Goodall, a native of Bristol, and a lieutenant of the navy. In 1788, she

asserted,

upon good

authority, he

cleared 18001. in one year, his circumstances were by no means in a pros-

procured an engagement at Drury Lane, where she made her first appearance in Rosalind ; and in the

summer
also

of

the

following year

was

which was partly owing to the liberality of his disposition, and partly to an unfortunate habit he had contracted of gaming, the
perous situation,
arts of

engaged by Mr. Colman. Being admirably formed for male attire, she

which he knew very

little

of,

and consequently became a prey of tho e who were unprincipled enough

to take advantage of his simplicity. The following anecdote, relative to
his

frequently represented those characters which are thus disguised. GOUGH, (Miss) actress, is of a reWhen spectable family in Ireland. Mrs. siddons's fame was established,

and

embarrassments, is recorded by Mrs. Piozzi; " In 1765 or 1766, Dr. Johnson was called abruptly from our house, and returning in about three hours, said, he had been with an en-

for a certain

that this lady was engaged by Mr. Daly, the then manager of Dublin, number of nights, Miss

Gough constantly attended her performances, and became one of her She then imbibed greatest admirers.
an inclination for the stage, which, from the laudable motive of relieving an embarrassed parent, she indulged, and her first attempt was at the private theatre in Fishamble Street. Having, through the intercession of friends, been promised an appearance at Covent Garden, she made her

Taged author, whose landlady pressed hiin for payment within doors, while the bailiffs beset him without ; that he wasdrink'ng him>elf drunk with Madeira to drown care, and fretting over
a novel, which, when finished, was to be his whole fortune ; but he could not get it done for distraction, nor could he step out of doors to offer it Mr. Johnson therefore set to sale. away the bottle, and went to the bookseller, recommending the perfor-

debut at that theatre in the character of Alicia (Jane Shore) with much approbation, and repeated the character with increased but ;
the manager was pleased to tell her, that the applause she met with

applause

mance, and desiring some immediate

relief,

which,

when he brought back

to the writer, he called the woman of the house directly to partake of punch,

proceeded from the good-nature of the audience to which she very

;

pertinently replied, that she

was much
sur-

HA
surprised they did not extend that goodnature to others in his company, who stood in greater need of it. Her stay at this theatre was consequently short, it having concluded with her benefit, when she performed Her-

HA
known
lady's
in the literary world. This dramatic pieces are, " The Wife," comedy, acted at " The Double Drury Lane, 1765; Mistake," comedy, acted at Covent " The School for Garden, 1766; Rakes," comedy, acted at Drury " A Wife in the Night," Lane, 1769 comedy, acted at Covent Garden, 176'2 and " The

Platonic

mione (The

distrest

Mother.) Though

possessed of powers, they were not considered extensive enough for so great a theatre, but allowance must be made for the natural timidity of a

Times," comedy,

acted at Drury Lane 1779.

novice

and,

as

her

last

mance was superior to the _/$>.</, more might certainly have been expected from every future essay. She afterwards played at Bath, and other places, (and though at some with the
disadvantage of having immediately succeeded Mrs. Siddons) met with a

perfor-

GRIFFITHS,(Mr.)formerly prompter at Drury Lane Theatre, and actor at several provincial theatres. During his situation as prompter, he beattached to the late Mr. Palmer, assisted him at the Royalty Theatre, for which he was one of the persecuted. He now officiates in the same capacity at the Circus.

came

and

come

flattering reception,

and is now bethe heroine of the Irish stage,

GRIFFITHS,

where she has acquired considerable

fame.
of a tragedy called the son of Samuel of Guy's Cliff, near sister of the Duke of
is

GR1MALDI, (JOSEPH)

{Miss). See Kelly, Mr. .actor in

author GREATIIEED, (BERTIE) "

The Regent," Greatheed, Esq. Warwick, by a

Ancaster.

This

gentleman was
Siddons.

who

a great patron of Mrs.

with her present Majesty. He was ballet master at Drury Lane Theatre, and died March 14, 17S8. His son has frequently been the clown at Sadler'sWells, and lately at Drury Lane.

pantomime, was originally a dentist, and came to London in that capacity

accordingly

exerted

GRIST, (Mr.)
of Mr.

actor,

and was one

herself in the support of his play, which, it must be acknowledged, is superior to the generality of modern On account of its title, tragedies.

when

Daly's principal tragedians, that gentleman became the

Dublin Manager.
plause,

He

has performed

at several provincial theatres

and

with apalso ac-

the indisposition of his Majesty, in 1789, the performance of it was stopped by an order from the Lord
)

and his daughter has quired some fame.

GRUBB, (JOHN)
share in Drury

purchased a

Chamberlain. GREEN, (Mrs

See Hippesley.

and

officiated

GRIFFITHS, (ELIZABETH) dramatist, maiden name the same, of

a Welsh descent, and author of several admired novels. Her husband was of a good family in Ireland, and well

season.

He had

Lane Theatre, in 1795, as manager for a also some interest in

This gentlethe Margate Theatre. man is an attorney, and has been more successful as practiser in the Common Pleas, dian as a manager ofa playhouse.

H.
pupil of the late Mr. Linley, who brought her forward in the oratorios at Drury Lane, in 1788. She was engaged the succeeding season at the same theatre, and made her first apas an actress in Gillion, pearance (the Quaker) which situation she re-

HAGLEY,

(Miss)

actress,

was

HALE, (Mr.) actor, was in person tall and well proportioned ; his voice his deportstrong and harmonious ment manly, and his action not displeasing; but his ear was so unfaith;

ful, that he was generally monotonous, and he wanted that judgment which alone knows how to give dignity to sen-

tained with

some

credit.

timent, or

warmth and

variety to passion.

HA
performance was Hotspur; lie was always to be endured when he restrained himself from doing
tion.

KA
she disposed of the overflow i* the boxes and on the stage, wisely preferring their two shillings a piece to In the words of empty benches. " Mrs. Bellamy, the heat of the house occasioned the wet clothes of the dripping audience to send forth odours not quite so sweet as those of Arabia." This lady having cast some reflections on the vulgarity of Mrs. Hamilton's audience, the latter took the following mode of revenge on the night of Mrs. Bellamy's benefit: the play which she had fixed on was the " Careless Husband," thus cast; Sir C. Easy, Mr. Ross, (first time); Lord
full,

His

liest

A t Bristol he was a favourite where it is supposed he died in He was so fond of wearing large full bottomed wigs, that, to the
too much.
actor, 1746.

astonishment of the audience, he acted the part of Charles the First in one which was remarkably long and fair. His wife was on the stage, and was married again to Mr. Harrington, an actor. They both belonged to Covent Garden in 1758. Barrington, though not a very good comedian, was, in the characters of law Irishmen, the best performer the stage at that time afforded.

HAMILTON, (NEWBURGH)
the author of a
viz.

was

Foppington, Mr. SmiUi, 'first time); Lord Morelove, Mr Ririout ; Lady Easy, Mrs. Elmy ; Edging, Miss Nossiter,
(first time) ; Lady Graveairs, Mrs. Hamilton ; and Lady Betty Modish, Mrs. Bellamy, (first time) ; witli the Entertainment of "

" The Doating Lovers

comedy and
;

farce, or, Li-

bertine reclaimed ;"

acted at

Lin-

and

coln's Inn Fields, 1715; and "The Petticoat Plotter," acted at Drury lane Lincoln's Inn Fields, 1720. Neither of these met with much success.

Florizel

and

Perdita." Florizel, Mr. Smith ; Autolicuj, Mr. Shuter ; King, Mr. Ridout,

Shepherd, Mr. Sparks

Costollo

Clown, Mr.

first was supported through three performances for the sake of the author's night ; and, though his interest was so great, and his acquaintance so exten-.ive that he was enabled on his benefit to lay the boxes and pit together at the advanced (though now common) price of six shillings each ticket, yet tlie piece afterwards pen?hed in oblivion. He also produced an " Samson", at Covent GarOratorio, Jen, 1743. He lived in the family of the Duke of Hamilton, to whom it is supposed he was related.

The

and Perdita, Mrs. Bellamy. ; an hour after six, just before the play should have begun, she sent Mrs. Bellamy word that she would not perform the character of Lady Graveairs. It became necessary, from so At
half

HAMILTON,
Jonged
to

(Mr*.)

Covent Garden

actress, bein 1758.

This lady and Mrs. Bellamy had a vio-

The latter's benefit lent altercation. being fixed on a night that happened to be Mrs. Cibbers at the other house,
she requested Mrs. Hamilton to let her have her Monday, and take in exchange her Saturday ; who, as her interest did not lie among the box people, and for the credit sake of having the first benefit in the season, complied. She accordingly fixed on the " Rival Oueens," and, notwithstanding it happened to be a wet afternoon, a great concourse of people for the second gallery attended. As

disappointment, to make an apology to the audience for the delay that must ensue. Ross, who loved mischief as well as he had done whilst at Westmin-ter School, and in which he had generally a share, as he had this evening, by having stimulated Mrs. Hamilton to the refusal of her services, enjoyed the storm, and consequently would not make the apoSmith was so agitated, it being logy. the first time of his attempting Lord Foppington, that he could riot do it.
late a

Poor Lady Betty Modish was'therefore

obliged to show her flounces and furheloes before their time, in order to request the patience of the audience till Mrs. Vincent could dress for the part which Mrs. Hamilton was to have performed. Mrs. Bellamy's petition was granted, as she herself relates, " with repeated plaudits, and with an assurance from Mr. Town, and his
that they would revenge her cause." This they did the very next night, when Mrs. Hamilton playassociates,

soon as that part of the house was

ed

HA
ed the Queen in the Spanish Friar, and Mrs. Bellamy Elvira, for the beMr. Sparks. The majesty of Spain then, appeared in all the pomp of false jeSl She was so remarkably fond of these artificial gems, that Cibber CoUey compared her head to a furze-bush stuck round with glowas her hair was extremely worms, dark, and she had an objection to wearing powder. Upon her entrance she was saluted in a warmer manner than she wished, and was prevented for some time from speaking by that most disagreeable of all sounds to a dramatic ear, whether author or performer, hisses I At length, upon the tumult ceasing a little, she advanced, and addressed ihe audier,~e in the folnefit of
.

HA
native of Dublin, and has performed on almost all the Irish stages. He has
also played at Liverpool, Rover (Wild Oats) was so mired in Dublin, that when

&c. His much adMr. Lewis, of Covent Garden, performed that character, at Crow Street, he did not meet with the applause in it to which he had been accustomed.
composer, was born at Hall, a city of Upper Saxony, February '24, 1684, by a second wife of his father, who was an eminent physician and surgeon of the same place, and then above sixty From his childhood he years of age.
discovered such a propensity for muthat his father, intending him for the civil law, was very much alarmed at it, and took every method to oppose his inclination by keeping him out of the way of, and strictly forbidding him to meddle with, any musical instrument. The son, however, found means to get a little clavicord privately conveyed to a room at the top of the house, and with this used to amuse himself when the family were ail asleep. When scarcely seven years of age, he accompanied his father to the Duke of Saxe Weisenfels, where
sic,

HANDEL, (GEORGE FREDERIC)

lowing Demosihenian style : men and Ladies, I suppose

"

as

Gemhow

you

hiss

me

because

did not play at

Mrs. Bellamy's benefit. I would have performed, but she said as how my audience stunk, and were all tripe

When the fair speechifier }>eople." tad got thus far, the pit seemed one and all transported at her irresistible oratory, for with one voice they encored her, crying out at the same " Well said. time, Tripe .'" a title which she retained till she quitted the
theatre. There have been, and
are,

several performers of this name, particularly Mr. Mrs. and Misses Hamilton,

who have played

Dublin,

at different sea-

was impossible to keep him from harpsichords, and other musical instruments. One morning, while he was playing by stealth on the organ after the service was over, the Duke
it

sons in

&c.

This family

was

in the

church, and was so affect-

have, by theirown united endeavours, and without the assistance of any other performer, frequently afforded entertainment in the country. HAMILTON,! Mrs. )actress, maiden name Peters, is the daughter of an at-

ed with the harmony of the notes, that he enquired of his Valet de Chambre, who was Handel's brother-in-law,
the organ. The his brother. The see him, and, after making proper enquiries about him, expostulated very seriously with his father, who still retained his prepositions in favour of the civil law. But the Duke urging the vanity of disposing of a child contrary to his inand curbing a natural clinations, genius, prevailed upon the old man to tolerate his passion for music, and indulge him with the best masters.

who was playing on

Valet replied,
it

was

Duke demanded

to

torney in Dublin.

Having performed

at Brighton, &c. she

made

her

first

appearance at Covent Garden, in Lady Amaranth, (Wild Oats), October 17, 1800, in which she displayed

muchjudgment. Her person is agreeable, and her voice articulate and

powerful. She appeared afterwards in the character of Portia, (Merchant

of Venice ) but not with equal success. Being a substitute for Miss Murray, who was indisposed, in all probability she attempted it at too short a
Botice.

He

HAMMERTON,

(Mr.) actor,

is

was, accordingly, put under one Zackaw, organist to the cathedral church, who was so pleased with his promising pupil, that be paid him The scholar soon every attention. sur-

HA
to Berlin, where the opera was in a flourishing condition, under the encouragement of the king of Prussia.

HA
and
in

surpassed

his

master,

1698

went

Highness, that Handel was immediately offered a |>ension of 1500 crowns

per

annum,

as

an inducement

to stay;

Handel's

abilities

soon recommended

him

to his Prussian Majesty,

Jt

who

fre-

quently sent for him, and

large presents. to send him to

made him was now resolved

Hamburgh for further improvement, but his father soon dying, and his mother being in embarrassed circumstances, he endeavoured to procure scholars, and obtain some emplojment in the orchestra, and by this means, instead of being a burthen, he proved a great From conducting the became composer to performance, he " the house; and Almeria," his first was made here when he was opera, not much above fourteen years of age. 'i he success of this piece, which ran thirty nights without interruption, encouraged him to attempt others and, during his stay at Hamburgh, which was about four or five years, be produced several sonatas, which now are not extant. Soon after he went to Italy, and Florence was his first destination ; where, at the age of eighteen, he composed the opera of " Rodigro," for which he was presented with one hundred sequins, and a service of plate. Being earnestly importuned to produce ano" ther, he finished his Agrippina," in three weeks, which was performed twenty-seven nights, and with which the audience were so delighted, that they expressed a kind of distracted From Venice he went to pleasure. Rome, where his arrival was no sooner known than he received polite messages from persons of the first disrelief to her.
;

but the acceptance of this high favour he declined, having*, promised, he said, the court of thefclector Palat ne, and being aUo obliged to pass over to England, in consequence of pressing invitations from the Duke of Manchester but leave being proposed for his absence for a twelvemonth or more, and to go whithersoever he pleased, on these conditions he thankfully accepted the pension. After paying a visit to his mother, who was now very aged, and blind,
;

and
out

to his old ma.-ter Zackaw, he set for Dusseldorp, and, passing through Holland, embarked for Eng-

land, and arrived at London in the He was soon introduced at court, and honoured with marks of the (iueen's favour, who settled on him for life a pension of

winter of 1710.

2001. to

per annum.

All

this

made

Handel forget his obligation to return Hanover, so that when his Majesty came over at the death of the queen, conscious how ill he had behaved, he durst not appear at court. Being, however, restored to favour, he was honoured with the highest approbatoken of which, the kingto add a pension for life per annum to that which queen Anne had before given him,
tion
;

as a

was pleased
,001.

of

besides other favours.

The

first

piece

which he composed in Kngland was Hill's opera of " Rinaldo." While Handel was thus settled, and well provided for in England, a project was nobility fur erecting an aca emy in the Haymarket the intention of which was, to secure a constant supply of operas, to be

formed by the

then went to Naples, and afterwards made a second visit He to Florence, Rome, and Venice. returned home, but was determined At Hanover, he met to travel again. with Steftani, with whom he had been acquainted at Venice, and who was then master of the chapel to George I. when he was only elector of Hanover. He mei also with Baron Kilmanseck, a nobleman who had taken great
tinction.

He

composed by Handel, and to be performed under his direction. For this purpose, the king subscribed one thousand pounds, and the nobility four thousand pounds and Handel went to Dresden in quest of singers, from whence he brought senesino and Duristanti. The academy went on
;

and now notice of him when introduced him at court, and so rein Italy,

prosperously for the cour e of ten years; but one day Handel having a dispute with Cuzzoni, on her refusal to sing something he allotted her, he

commended

lain

to

his

Electoral

took her suddenly up by the waist,

and

HA
and swore vehemently he would This fling her out of the window.
imprudent conduct occasioned great
confusion
rebellion

HA
company
;

among

the

immediately commenced, with Senesino at the head of it, and the academy, notwithstanding its flourishing state, was at once dissolved. His fortune was not now more impairei than his health and understanding. His right arm was
.

become
palsy,

useless

and

his senses

from a stroke of the were greatly

for a
state,
it

tended for the mercantile line, which; for some time, he followed, but feeling an inclination for the stage, and having been instructed by Mr. Henderson, whose reputation was then lixed as an actor, he assume! the above name, that in case of failure, he might assume his own, (DavisJ and return to his situation, without being exposed. His first appearance on the stage was at Norwich, (through letters of recommendation) in the character of Richard III, April 20,
1785, and, by practice and industry, he became the hero of the

disordered at intervals time. In this unhappy

long

was

thought necessary that he should gu to the vapour baths at Aix la Criahe received a pelle, and from them
cure, which, from the manner, as well as the quickness of it, passed with the nuns for a miracle. Soon after his return to London in 1736, " Alexander's Feast" was his per-

company. His fame having reached London, he was engaged by Mr. Harris, and chose the same character for his first appearance at Covent Garden in 1789 ; after which he performed Lear, Jago, &c. He continued two seasons representing the
deserved
salary

formed at Covent Garden, and applauded ; and several other attempts of the like nature were made to reinstate him, but they did not prevail : the Italian party were too powerful ; so that, in 1741, he went to Dublin,

where he was well received. At his return to London 17412, the minds of most men were disposed in his favour, and the asra of his prosperity
returned. He immediately began his oratoriosin Covent Garden, which he continued with uninterrupted success, and unrivalled fame. The last was performed April 6, 1759, and he died on the 14th. He was buried at Westminster Abbey, where, by his own
desire,

principal characters with great and applause at the humble of forty shillings per week, while others of inferior abilities, and less service to the theatre, had more than double the sum. Accordingly he withdrew himself in 1761 till his salary was raised to five pounds per per week, which he retained four seasons.

HARLOWE,
her

(Mrs.) actress,

made

first appearance in the country, and performed at Windsor under the management of Mr. Waldron after which she became the heroine at
;

and

at his
is

own

expence, a
his

where she acquired so much fame as an actress and singer, that she procured an engagement at Covent Garden, and though she did
Sadler's Wells,

monument
his sight, in their full

erected to

memory.

him remained to the almost hour vigour of his dissolution. He is said to have been a most uncommon epicure.
In 1751, a gutta serena deprived
of

but

his faculties

not aspire to the first walk, like too candidates of less abilities, yet she gradually increased in favour with the public, representing

many theatrical
first

chambermaids, &c. with consiIn 1794, she

derable applause.

was

HAKGRAVE, (Mr.)
ed
to the Dublin stage,

actor, belong-

with some applause.

where he met He appeared

engaged at the Haymarket, and has since appeared on Drury Lane

boards.
of those comedians who in 1733, revolted from the patentees of Drury Lane, and set up for themselves at the Little Theatre in the Haymarket.

at Covent Garden Oct. 6, 1796, (having played there once before) in the character of Octavian, (Mountaineers) but his representation of the love-sick Madman was by no means equal to that of his predecessors, Kemble and
Elliston,

HARPER,

(Mr.) actor, and one

Harper was committed

by Sir

to Bridewell

Thomas

Clarges,

HARLEY,

(Mr.)

actor,

was

in-

made

against

common

upon

the act

strollers,

but

having

HA
having been brought up by Habeas Corpus to the Court of King's Bench, it was agreed he should be discharged

HA
being assented to by the several parties, the property of the theatre was assigned in August, 1767, and the house opened by the new managers 14, with the comedy of septemper " The and an occasional
Rehearsal,"'

from Bridewell upon his own recogThese comedians, while nizance. they were 3ctmg in the Haymarket under the auihonty of the Master of the Revels, brought an ejectment upon a lease against the Patentees of Drury Lane 1 heatre. The cause was tried in the Court of King's Bench, (Monday, November 12, 1733) and

Address, written by Paul Whitehead, and spoken by Mr. Powell. Disputes soon afterwards arose
Esq.

amongst

much

the new managers, virulence and acrimony

and were

went

in favour of the players, it having appeared that they took the lease of the two trustees appointed by the

displayed by each party, but after had continued a long time, and they had received a judicial determination, they

were amicably

settled.

In

thirty six sharers of

Drury Lane House, with the consent of twenty seven of

the season of 1771, there was an altercation between Mr. Harris and

those sharers, and (March 8, 1734) the company of comedians from the Haymarket took possession of Drury Lane, by virtue of this ejectment.

Mr Colman, which derived its source from a lady's theatrical abilities not
being sufficiently brought into play (as insinuated) by the latter gentleman. Her cause was espoused by Mr. Harris, her avowed friend and protector, which professions he suddenly relinquished, on account of some infidelities afterwards discovered on the part of the lady. The cause
of quarrel accordingly subsided,

(Mr.) actor, was in the army, and having imbibed an early inclination for the stage, not-

HARRINGTON,

withstanding many repulses, persevered in his design. He made an

attempt at the Haymarket, and afterwards performed Orlando (As you like it) at the Royalty Theatre, on its first illegal openlie ing widi regular entertainments.
unsuccessful
the author of some pleasing trifles, (particularly the novel of "The Sorrows of the Heart") and it must be acknowledged, that managers have retained in their service many performers of less merit, but perhaps
is

and

an amicable termination took place On Mr. Cohnan's to all differences. secession, (1776), Mr. Harris undertook the management of the stage business, which, it must be confessed,, has been ever since conducted with peculiar regularity. Like his predecessor Rich, though, he seems attached
to

more

confidence. The above is supto be an assumed name. HARRIS, (THOMAS) chief proprietor of the Theatre Royal, Covent

pantomime

exhibition,

or pieces

which have more shew than sense,

; but, probably, experience lias taught him, that such entertainments are more consonant to the public taste, and

posed

more pageantry than merit

Garden,

is

descended from a respec-

table family, and was brought up to He received a liberal edubusiness.

cation, which he improved by a constant application to literature ; and

having, l>y industry, acquired a com petent fortune, in the summer of 1767 he joined wiih Mr. Rutherford
in purchasing all the property of Co-

to the treasury. It however, to be wished, that in the Theatres Royal, rationality was prefeired to buffoonery, and that dumb shr/w was confined only to those
is,

more productive

boards on which performers had no

authority to speak. In many instances, Mr. Harris has evinced much liberality ; he has voluntarily raised the salaries of performers, whose exertions

The advanvent Garden Playhouse. tage of having a capital performer as one of the sharers, being suggested to them, Mr. Powell was invited to join them, ana, by his recommendation. Mr. Colman was admitted as the then properest person to conduct the business

and

authors,

of

the

stage.

The proposal

h.ve been crowned with success, forward and encouraged who might hitherto have been unknown but such encouragement may naturally be expected from a manager who is no author
hi ought
:

himself:

II
himself
:

A
it is

HA
to

however,

be remarkis

ed, that in dent of his

sults
interested.

some

cases he

too

diffi-

own judgment, and conmen who are both partial and

It is also to be remarked, encouragement which he lias his

Green, Mr. Hartson returned to town, and died in a few days, [March, 1773) without leaving any other effects than a few manuscript poems

and

that the

whom

plays to Griffin the bookseller,

lately given to dramatists, at present

and to

prevents

extending and affording

indebted.

he had appointed his executor, whom he had been probably Boyd, knowing Hanson's

fresh instances thereof: for those very authors whom he has brought forward, seem now to monopolize the literary department of his theatre. Every successive season the same company

distressed circumstances, called on Griffin the moment he heard of his

death,

and

humanely

offered

his

services.

of play-wrights bring out their pieces

Griffin begged he would order and manage the funeral, which, though at this time as much embar-

in rotation, and it is mure by chance than choice, that the production of an infant muse is ever represented at Covent Garden. This was not the case with the late Mr. Colman, tbo' an author himself, and an author of no common abilities : he was continually introducing young writers to

rassed
friend,

as

had been his deceased he generously did, and for

refused to

which

Griffin afterwards

pay, scandalously, if not falsely, pleading in excuse, that the manuscripts were of no value.

the public, and even at his little theatre in the Haymarket, when his seasonswere seldom much longer than three months, (though four according to the patent) the merit of an O'Keefe or Inchbald, did not exclude the merit of others!

and author of two tragedies, " The Rival Father ; or, Death of Achilles," acted at the Haymarket, 1730, and " The Chinese Orphan," altered from a specimen of Chinese tragedy
in

HATCHET, (WILLIAM)

actor,

author of a HARTSON, (HALL) " The Countess of Salisbury," which was first acted in Dublin, then at the Haymarket ( 1767)
tragedy called

and afterwards at Drury Lane. He was a native of Ireland, and was brought up at the University. He was patronized by the celebrated Dr.
supposed to have assisted him in the above play, and to a became tutor young gentleman of fortune, whom he accompanied to London. Before lie had attained the age of thirty, he had made the tour of Europe three times, and was deemed a young man of fine parts, great accomplishment;, and amiable manners. He became acquainted with the celebrated Hugh Boyd, who invited him to his house at Kenion Green, that he might have the benefit of change of air, being then of a consumptive habit, and in extreme ill
Leland,
is

as did Mrs. Haywood, with whom he lived upon terms of friendship, and joined with her in converting Fielding's " Tom Thumb'' into an opera. IIATTON, (Mr.) actor, belongs to the company at Windsor, and has

He never was an actor of eminence. He performed in "The Rival Father,"

Duffaldi's History of China,

1741.

performed

at

Weymouth,

ike.

He

is

who

He pays Crazy, (Peeping Tom.) great regard to character and dress, but is sometimes imperfect in his parts, owing, probably, to the short time allotted for study at those theatres.

allowed some merit in the comic line, particularly in the characters of counHe has also trymen, sailors, &c. performed Hotspur, Pizarro, Glenalvon, &c. His chief characters are said to be lark Junk, (Birth Day) and

health

but

his

malady was too

far

to admit of any cure, and neither the power of medicine, nor the soothing, but cheerful friend-hip of Boyd, could afford him any relief. After being many weeks at Kenton

advanced

(Miss) actres?, beto Drury Lane in Mr. Garrick's She was a young lady of strong feeling, but the weakness of her voice prevented her from making so good an impression as her judgment enforced. She had life and spirit in comedy, and always gave satisfaction, .she performed several parts in Mrs. Cibbers's cast, and succeeded that

HAUGHTON,

longed
time.

lady

HA
time in the second Constantia, on Garrick* revival of " The Chances," by command of George II. in which she meiited a
lady for a short
nefit at

HA
dramatist

good share of applause.

HAVARD, (WILLIAM)
and
actor,

was the son of a vintner in Dublin, and served his time as an

Drury Lane, 1763, notprinted. He continued on the stage until 1769, when, finding the infirmities of age encreasing, he took leave of it in form, in an Address written and spoken by himself, after the play of " Zara," in which Mr. Garrick acted

but having apprentice to a surgeon, an early inclination for the stage, he for which he quitted the

was intended, and engaged himself at the theatre in Goodman's Fields, from whence he removed to the
Theatre^ Royal, in both of which he was at different times well received. He was a great favourite with the His person public, and deservedly.

profe>sion

He retired first to but being there not so near he wished, he returned to the lodgings he had formerly occupied in Tavistock Street, where, after a lingering illness, he died Feb.
for his benefit.
Islington,
his friends as

20, 1778,

aged 68.

was comely and genteel

clear

his

voice

HAWKER, (ESSEX) actor; he belonged to the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields, where he produced one piece, called " The Wedding" a tragic, comic, pastoral, farcical opera, 1729.
author of " Edgar and Emmeline," a
fairy tale, in

and

articulate

and, in every

HAWKF.SWORTH,(JOHN)L.L.D.
two
acts,
;

character he represented, he displayed a critical judgment, and perfect understanding of the meaning of his He did not want feeling, but author. from a degree of monotony, which seemed natural to his voice, he sometimes fell short with respect to imHe was, howpassioned execution. ever, always decent, sensible, and and acquired an ease in his

performed at

Drury Lane, 1761

the year

was born about

1719, and was originallybrought up to a mechanical profession, said to be that of a watchmaker. He was of the sect of presbyterians, and a member of the celebrated

manner and deportment, which it is uncommon to meet with, and which rendered him, if not capital, at least
a very useful performer. through necessity or accident,

perfect,

When,
lie

was

obliged to appear in characters above the rank of those which he usually

filled,

he constantly made way through

Brodbury's meeting, from which he was expelled for some inegularity. He afterwards devoted his attention to literature, and became an author of considerable eminence. In the early part of his life, his circumstances were rather confined, and he resided some time at Bromley, in Kent, where his wife kept a boarding school, which they relinquished in order to accom-

Tom

them with less di-gust than some performers would have done, who, with
intergreater particular beauties, mingled an equal number of glaring As an author, he stood deformities.

modate two women of fortune, who came to reside with them. Through the recommendation of a lady of great property and interest in the East India Company, he was chosen a di.
rector of that body. When the design of compiling a narrative of the discoveries in the South Seas was suggested, he w.t^ employed on the occasion, and is said to have received for the task the enormous sum of six thousand pounds. In consequence of his situation as an East India Diand of his connection with the rector, Admiralty while writing the above

nearly in the same predicament as he did as an actor; tor, though much inferior in the first-rate dramatists, he was, at the same time, a. greaily

superior to

many whose
success.

pieces have

even met with

viz.

were particularly one,

"

all

His plays, successful,

;

at Scandcrbeg," tragedy, acted " Goodman's Fields, 17.1.5 King

Charles the First," historical tragedy, written in imitation of Shakespeare, and acted at Lincoln's Inn Fields, " 17:i7 Regulus," tragedy, acted at Drury Lane, 1741; and '-The Elopebement,': farce, acted for Ills own
;

work, it was supposed that he injured his health by too freely indulging in

the pleasures

of

the table,

which brought on a fever, of which he died at a friend's house in Lime

Street,

HA
" Orootered " Amphytrion," and and produced two oratorios, noko," " called Zimri," performed at Co vent Garden, 1760, and " The Fall of Egypt," performed at Drury Lane,
1774.
Street,

HE
He
alhis friends to the jealousy of the actAt this time he was ing manager.

November

17, 1773.

formed

(WILLIAM) author of " HAYLEY, Plays of three acts, written for a

4to. 1780, of which private " The Theatre," Two Connoisseurs," and " Lord Russell," was brought on the stage at the Haymarket, 1784, and

manager of the Theatre Royal, Richmond, but, like liis predecessors, perto empty benches, except when a Jordan attracted and then so much was paid for the attraction, that little remained to reimburse the
;

caterer.

Marcella," at Drury Lane and Covent Garden, in 1789. He was born in Sussex, and educated at Eaton, and from thence went to Trinity College, Cambridge. His infancy was marked with misery, and but for the attention of an affectionate mother, he had

"

He was, therefore, soon obliged to forego the honour of a manager's title, and retain only the name of an actor at Brighton, &c. His wife, whom he married at Bath, formerly kept a small day school, and was a milliner, which latter profession she followed in town, and also during her occasional excursions at Richmond and Brighton, by which her husband obtained the epithet of haberdasher in the Gazette, November1, 1800. HEAPHY, (Mr.) was a native of Ireland, and manager of the Cork Theatre, but afterwards disposed of his wardrobe, &c. to the Dublin maHi-; wife was a celebrated nager. actress in the line of old women, and belonged many seasons to Smock Alley and Crow Street Theatres. His

probably gone to the grave unknown. An ill state of health prevented him from entering into scenes of active life, and he devoted himself entirely to literary retirement. He married

lady,

who seems
at

to possess

some

portion of his taste and genius. In 1790, he brought out a tragedy, call-

ed " Eudora,"
Theatre.

Covent Garden
actor,,
is

daughterwas married
a
the dramatist.

to

Mr. O'Keefe,

HAYMES, (THOMAS)
native of Devonshire,

and was

in-

HEARD, (Miss) actress, was brought

up
to the stage at

tended for the business of either a coachmaker or wheelwright, which he quitted for the stage, and became a favourite performer at Exeter. His brother, following his example, likewise trod the boards, but a derange-

Drury Lane, from

her infancy; her

ing been the

characters havof York, (Richard At the 111.) Page, (Orphan) kc. Haymarket Theatre, she first attempted characters of more importance*
first

Duke

ment

his obtaining

of mind, it is said, prevented any permanent situation. Mr. Haymes made his first appearance at Drury Lane in Belcour (West In-

and met with approbation in both the hoyden and sentimental line.
father, Mr. William Heard, was the son of a bookseller, who lived in Piccadilly, and wa bred to the medical profession: He was author of several poems, and two theatrical
pieces, viz.

Her

dian) 1789, but failing in his attempt, was afterwards obliged to represent characters of inferior note, and the hero of Exeter now sunk into an underling ! Dissatisfied with his situation, he procured an engagement at Covent Garden, and having made choice of a character more suitable to his talents, which was Farmer Giles, (in the Maid of the Mill) he met with so much success, that he repeated it several nights, and also by command

" The Snuff Box

or,

Trip

to Bath," comedy, acted at the Haymarket, 1775; and "Valentine's

Day, 'musical entertainment, acted at Drury Lane, 1775. He died at the

of their Majesties. This success, however, was but temporary ; he was

on the shores belonged to Drury Lane Company many years, and latterly performed the characters of old women. She died about the
early age of thirty four, of Africa. His widow

suddenly discharged, and

sion

his dismis-

from the theatre was ascribed by

year 1799. Miss Heard has proved herself always an useful actress, by being a ready substitute in case of indisposition

HE
and though disposition or absence ; she may not prove equalj to her predecessors, yet she generally exceeds the expectations of the audience. One evening while on the stage with another lady, who was scarcely audible, a gentleman in the pit, (probably in clined to deafness) said to his neigh" I cannot hear a single word bour, one of these ladies says, but the other
is

HE
he continued ten years, and af'erwards went to a boarding school kept by Dr. Stirling, at llemel Hempstead, where he redded little more than twelve months. From thence he returned to London, and having discovered a taste for drawing, wag
placed for a short time as a pupil to Mr. Fournier, a very extraordinary character, who, with great talents, seems to have possessed too little prudence to preserve himself from

plain

enough."

"

Oh,
that

Sir,

(reis

plied his neighbour)

other

HEARD." HEARTWELL, (HENRY) "

He had

author of The Castle of Sorrento," a musical entertainment, in two acts, taken from the French, and acted at the
previousa translation of the oripublished " The Prisoner ; or. Reginal, called
ly

Haymarket, 1799.

semblance," comic opera,

in

one

act.

The

piece, as acted, was materially altered, and derived no small assistance from the pen of Mr. Colman it is certainly better for being divided into two acts, for it must be acknowledged it has too much incident for one. The translator is said to be a gentleman possessed of some property. HENDERSON, (JOHN) actor, was of a family originally Scotch, setUed in Fordell, a town in the north of ScotJand. He was descended in the right line from the famous Dr. Alexander
:

and ridicule. While he remained with Fournier, he made a drawing, which was exhibited at the Society of Arts and Sciences, and obtained a premium about the year With a person of Founder's 1767. habits, it is not surprising that Mr. Henderson should not continue long. On quitting him, he went to reside with Mr. Cripp, a silversmith, and near relation, of considerable business, in St James's Street, with whom it was intended he should be connected ; but the death of that relative put an end to this scheme, and it is believed that from henceforward Mr. Henderson bent his attention entirely
distress

to the stage. In the very early part of his life, his mother put into his

Henderson, whose name frequently occurs in the English History, on account of his conference with King
Charles

His I. in the Isle of Wight. grandfather was a quaker, and a very warm adherent to the celebrated Mr. Armesley in his suit with Lord Anglesea, in supporting which, he spent a considerable sum of money. His

hands a volume of Shakespeare, which he perused so often, and with so much delight, that he became inspired with a passion for representing on the stage characters which he read with so much satisfaction. His reception into the theatre, met with many and very extraordinary impediments. So early as about the year 1768, he had got himself introduced to Mr. George Garrick, who, on hearing him rehearse, gave it as his opinion, that
his

was an Irish factor in the city of London, and resided in Goldsmith Street at the time of the birth of this
father
his son,

voice -was

so

feeble,

that

he

who was

baptized March 8,

One year after his birth, the 1746-7. father died, and left his widow and two children, bodisons, with a very
slender provision.

could not possibly convey articulate sounds to the audience of any theatre ; and it cannot he denied that there was then some ground for the
observation, as his friends

and attention, in up fur the loss of theii

this

The mother's care some measure, made

father, of

prehensive that he was in danger of habit. falling into a consumptive

were ap-

Not discouraged,

however, by

this

which

her son always spoke in terms of

the most grateful acknowledgment. At the at;e of two years, he was re-

repulse, he continued to pursue his favourite object though with little proIn a few years, his spect of success. health became more established, and

moved, with

his mother, to Newport Pagncl, in Buckinghamshire, where

having formed an acquaintance with Mr. Becket, the bookseller, through his

means

HE
means he obtained an introduction to Mr. Garrick, the manager. At this
gentleman's levee he attended for a great length of time, both noticed and neglected, till at last he grew weary of so irksome a state of dependence, and resolved to attempt, by other means, to exhibit himself before the
public.
Still,

HE
occasion, (December 22.) He performed in the play and farce almost every night during the season, and had the satisfaction of continuing to encrease in fame every time that he appeared. At the close of the Bath season, he visited his friends in London, and passed the remainder of the summer in the metropolis, entirely disengaged from all theatrical employments. In the autumn, he returned to his situation at Bath, and

town on the

however, he expe-

rienced the mortification of being rejected in every offer. In 1770, he to Mrs. Philippine Burton, a applied lady who was about to produce a comedy of her own writing at the Haymarket, but was not received.

He

offered himself to Mr. Colman,

during that year, added the characters of Pierre, Don John, Comus, Othello. Archer, Ranger, Sir John Brute, Belville, (School for Wives) Henry II,
Beverley,

who would
hear him.

not condescend even to

It is said

(Man

of

Business)

and

the

first

essay he

made in public.was by delivering Mr. Garrick's Ode on the Jubilee in a room at Islington, for the benefit of
one of the inferior At length, theatre.
retainers of the
after more than two years attendance, Mr. Garrick was prevailed upon to hear him re-

Zanga, to thoe he had already represented. By this time, the chief managers of the London theatres had seen his performances on the stage, and knew the reputation he had acquired ; but, steady to the opinions they had originally entertained, they could not be prevailed upon to think him worihy of being received into their service. During the course of
this

hearse, but the opinion which this trial produced was by no means faThe manager declared, vourable. that his voice was not sufficiently melodious or clear, nor his pronunciation articulate enough ; or, to make use " that he had in his of his own terms, mouth too much wool or wcrsted,

summer, application was made

both to Mr. Garrick and Mr. Foote in but without effect. In the autumn of 177 I, he was obliged again
his favour,

to to

resume

his

former

Bath.

After

many

situation in ineffectual efforts

which he must absolutely get rid of before he would be fit for Drury Lane stage." However, not to discourage him entirely, he furnished him with a letter to Mr. Palmer, the manager of the Bath company, who, on this recommendation, engaged him at a On his salary of one guinea a week. arrival at Bath, he assumed the name of Courtney, and his first appearance on the stage there was October 6, 1772. in the character of Hamlet. He met with universal applause, and
after performing the character twice, repeated Mr. Garrick's Ode, and re-

appear in London, accident at last brought him forward without any apIn 1777, Mr. plication on his part. Colman having purchased the patent of Mr. Foote of the little theatre in the Haymarket, and convinced of the necessity of novelty, engaged Mr. Henderson for that summer. So advantageous was this union to the manager, that in thirty-four nights' performance no less a sum than four thousand five hundred pounds was taken. The first character Mr. Henderson
represented

was

Shylock,

presented, in the course of the season, the following characteis: Richard 111, Benedict, Macbeth, Captain Bobadil, Bayes, Don Felix, Earl of Essex, Hotspur, Fribble, Lear, Hastings, Alonzo, and Alzuma. After he had repeatedly played the first nine characters,

(Merchant of Venice) June 11. This was followed by Leon, Falstaff, Richard
III,

Don

John,

Bayes,
filled

and
the

Falstaff,

(Merry Wives of Windsor.)

night

The avidity of the public Haymarket Theatre every

performed.

he

and found
a firm

his reputation was fixed on he resumed his real basis, and name, spoke an Addre-.s to the

Even during the heat of summer, the ho,use was crowded with people of the first fashion and firstrate abilities. The manager, who derived so much advantage from his
success,

HE
success, gave

HI
was neglected, and was obliged
to

him a free benefit, which produced him a considerable sum ; and before the winter commenced, he was engaged by M r. Sheridan (who

then succeeded Mr. Garrick) for two years, at Drury Lane Theatre, at a salary of ten pounds per week, with an indemnification from the penally of his articles with the Bath manager. In the summer of 1778, he went to Ireland, and was introduced to most of the literati of that kingdom. Jan. 13, 1779, he married, and that summer went again to Ireland ; and, at the commencement of the winter
season,

removed

to

Covent Garden

Theatre, with an encreased stipend. He was now as much courted by the managers, as formerly he courted them he was exceedingly zealous in the service of the theatre, and always ready to attend his duty there. In the course of the last three months of his life, he performed several nights successively very long and fatiguing characters, and sometimes when he should have been with more propriety His last perf rmance was in his bed. Horatius, (Roman Father) Nov. 3. 1785. He was soon after seized with a fever, which seemed to have submit ted to medicines, but at a time when his disorder put on every favourable appearance, he was unexpectedly seized with a spasm in the brain, and died November 25. He was interred He underin Westminster Abbey. stood French perfectly, and spoke it fluently. He read with so much judgment, that Mr. Sheridan and he during the last season of 1785, entertained the town at Freemason's Hall, with reading some of the works of our His poetry, of best English writers. which he left but little, shews that if he had cultivated his powers, he would have arrived at considerable
!

leave the kingdom. HEY WOOD, (Mrs. ELIZA) acta* at Dublin in the year 1715. She wrote " The Fair Captive," tragedy, as the advertisement 1721, which, stales, was originally written by Capt. Hurst ; " A Wife to be Let," comedy, acted at Drury Lane, in which she " Frederick performed herself, 1724 Duke of Brunswick," tragedy, acted at Lincoln's Inn Fields, 1729 ; and she Mr. Hatchet in the joined with " Opera of Operas," (Tom Thumb) She was born I73.J, /'see Hatchet.) at London, and her father was in the mercantile way. In the early part of her life, her natural vivacity her sex's constitutional fondness for gal lantry, and the passion which then prevailed in the public taste for personal scandal, guided her pen to works
;

which a scope was given for great licentiousness. She was a very voin

luminous writer, and her genius lay, most part, in the novel kind She provoked the indignation of Mr. Pope, who rendered her conspicuous in his " Dunciad." She died Feb, 25, 1756, aged about 63.
for the

HIFFERNAN, (PAUL) " The Lady's Choice," petite piece, acted at Covent Garden, 1759; "The
new
Hippocrates," farce,
acted at

author of

Drury Lane, 1761, not others printed, and not native of Ireland, and of his education in the Dublin. His pen was
sistence,

printed, and acted, was a received part University of his only sub-

and when he came to London, he was employed by the bookvarious works of

transla

sellers in

tion,compilement, Ike. Hisconduct created him many enemies, and he died in extreme indigence, 1778.

of

excfllence.
called "

He assisted in compleating the tra" gedy of The Heroine of the Cave," which met with little success.

HEWIT,

(J.)

author of a comedy
for the

HIGHMORE, (JOHN) manager

Tutor

Beaux

or,

Love

acted at Linand a tracoln's Inn Fields, 1737 " Fatal Falshood ; or, gedy called Distressed Innocence." acted at Drury
in a Labyrinth,"
;

Lane. He was, tt is supposed, the son of Jamrs Hewit, Esq. second Commissioner for trade to his Imperial Majesty of Russia, by whom he

Drury Lane Theatre, about 1731. He was a gentleman of fortune, who unhappily had contracted an atiachment to the stage from liaving performed one night for a wager, the
part of Lothario, ( Fair Penitent.) He purchased, for the sum of 25001. one half of Mr. Booth's share, with the whole of his power in the manage-

ment.

H
ment.
Ellis

I
admission, Mr.
to
|

HI
attend to the
pleasure, wondering that a person so young should run the hazard of such a voyage, to visit a relation, whom he only knew by character. The

Before his

was deputed conduct of the theatre in behalf of the widow Wilks. Mr. Cibber, dissatisfied with the introduction of two
persons, who were totally unqualified either by their abilities or experience to superintend a theatre, and not choosing to be troubled with the importance of the one, and the ignorance of the other of his brethren, authorised his son Theophilus to act for him as far as his interest was concerned. Mr. Highmore, hurt by the continual impertinence of young Cibber, determined to get rid of his interference, and purchased the father's share for the sum of 3000 guineas,
(1733.) Soon after, young Cibber stimulated the best performers in the
to revolt, and set up for "themselves, at the little theatre in the llaymarket, and Highmore, by their desertion, found the attractions of his house considerably weakened, fie endeavoured to supply their places with all the best actors the country

ambassador immediately provided for

him a very learned ecclesiastic, in his own house, and under his tuition sent him to travel, so that he had an
opportunity of seeing Egypt, Palestine, and a great part of the Eastern With Lord Paget he recountry. turned home about 1703, and, in his journey, saw most of the courts in Europe. A few years after, he was desired to accompany Sir William Wentworth, who was then going to make the tour of Europe, and, with him, he travelled two or three years. On his return, he became known as a poet, and being made master of the
theatre of Drury Lane, produced his " F.lfrid first tragedy, ; or, the Fair Inconstant," 1709. This was written at the request of the famous actor,

company

Booth,

and was completed

in

little

companies then afforded, and buoyed him-eif up wiih hopes of obtaining redress, first from the Lord Chamberlain, and afterwards by putting the
laws concerning vagrants in force against the delinquent players, (see Harper.) In both these expectations, he found himself disappointed, and the losses fell so heavy upon him, that he was soon under the necessity of giving up the contention in order to
secure a small part of the property

more than a week. In 1710, he was master of the Opera House in the llaymarket, and then wrote an opera called " Rinaldo," which met with
great success, and

was

the

first

that

Handel composed
England.

after he came to His genius seems to have

been best adapted to the business of the stage ; and, while he held the management, he conducted both the
theatres
to the satisfaction of the public ; but having some misunderstanding with the then Lord Chamberlain, he relinquished it in a few months. In 17 Hi he produced another tragedy, called " The F'atal Vision In 1728, or, the Fall of Sion." he made a journey to the north of Scotland, where he had been about two years befoie, having contracted with the York Buildings Company concerning many woods of great extent in that kingdom, for timber for the use of the navy. After much labour spent in vain, and after a stay of several months in the Highlands,
;

which he had thus imprudently risked in an undertaking for which he was

so
little

qualified. (See Fleetiimod.)

HILL,

(AARON)

dramatist

and

manager, was born in Beaufort Buildings, London, February 12, 1(584-5. He was sent to Westminster school, which he left at fourteen years of age, on account of his narrow circumstances,

occasioned

by

his

father's

mismanagement, who had been a gentleman of Malinesbury Abbey, in Wiltshire. Having formed the resolution of paying a visit to his relation, Lord Paget, then ambassador at Constantinople,

he embarked on board a

March 2, 1700. ship going there, When heairived, Lord Paget received him with much surprise, as well as

he quitted Scotland, and went to York, where he wrote a poem, called " The Progress of Wit, being a caveat for the use of an eminent writer," intended for Pope, who was the ag" gressor in the Dunciad," and was supposed to have been made very uneasy

HI
uneasy by
wife, to
it.

HI
fared flatteries,
this subject, talks " of a mouth, together with such eyes and attitudes,

whom

twenty

years.

In 1731, he lost his he had been married She was the daughter

and

in

a letter to

him on
fee.

He died February 8, 1749, as 1749. said in the very minute of the earthquake, after enduring a twelvemonth's torment of body, with great He was calmness and resignation. interred in the same grave with his wife in the great cloister of Wesminit is

" The poem, and Acting," PrompHis last ter," a periodical work. was a tragedy, called production " Merope," which was brought upon the stage at Drurv Lane by Garrick,
a

of Edmund Morris, Esq. of Stratford, in Essex, by whom he had nine children, and also a handsome fortune. wrote several pieces in poetry and prose, particularly the " Art of

as

would outdo

all

his

former

He

'

outdoing*." But Garrick, though a good deal impelled by flattery as well as fear upon other occasions, never let either interfere with his theatrical

He politely parried all reputation. thete soltcita'ions, and was determined, like Brutus, not to he tyrannized by Ccrsar. In short, upon the receipt of this letter, Garrick gave such reasons to the author for his not
appearing in his tragedy to any advantage, that he gave up all designs of bringing it forward, and this offspring; of his muse accompanied him to the
grave in silence and ob curity. HILL, (Sir JOHN) author of three dramatic pieces, was the son of Mr. Theophilus Hill, a clergyman, in Lin-

ster

Abbey.

Besides the

dramatic-

pieces " The

in the

alreadv mentioned, he wrote Walking Statue ; or, the Devil

Wine
"

Cellar," farce, printed

Elf rid,"

and no date; " King Henry V. or, the Conquest

4to, with

of Trance by the

acted at Drury Lane,

" Elfrid." wood," altered from 1732; " " Alzira; Zara," ditto, 1736; and
or, the Americans," tragedy, acted at Lincoln's Inn Fields, 1737. His

English," tragedy, " Athel17'J3 ;

The year of his birth is not absolutely ascertained but, from collection of circumstances, it is supposed to be about 1716 or 1717, as, in the year 17+0, he was engaged in a controversy with Mr. Rich, in
colnshire.
;

" Orregard to an opera, called pheus," in which much personal abuse appeared on both sides. He

" The Roman posthumous pieces are, tragedy, acted at Bath, Revenge," " The or, Filial

1753;

Piety," tragedy,

market, 1756;
pastoral opera,
in

Insolvent; acted at the Hay" Merlin in Love,"

;

" The Snake

satire, 1759,

1759; ''The Muses Mourning," comic opera, 1759

in

the Grass," dramaticSaul," tragedy, 1759 and " Daraxes," tragedy, 1759. His dramatic works alsocontain " The Fatal Extravagance," tragedy, ascribed to

"

was originally bound apprentice to an apothecary, and, afier serving his time, he set up in that profession in St. Martin's Lane ; but, having very early incumbered himself with the cares of a family by an hasty marriage with a young woman of no fortune, the daughter of one Mr. Sauver, who was household steward to the then Earl of Burlington, he found the business he had m his profession insufficient for the support of it, and therefore was obliged to apply to other

Joseph Mitchell. Mr. Hill to have written a comedy, called

is

also said

"

Trick

upon

Trick

or.

Squire

After the Brainless," not printed. success of his "Merope," he adapted to the English stage Voltaire's nlay o' " Caesar," and tried all his arts to

resource to help out what he could not obtain by his egular vocation. Having, during his apprenticeship, constantly attended on the botanical lectures, which are periodically given
.

make

he favourite trage.iy. He told him. had written lhi< character expressly for the exhibition of his powers, and to show that eitffgv of pass'nn in which he stood so much unrivalled." He stooped even to the most bare-

Garrick perform

in

this
'

his

underthe patronage of the company of apothecaries, and being possessed of quick natural parts and ready abilihe had made himself a very complete master of the practical, and, indeed, the theoretical part of botany; and, having procured a recommenties,

Duke of Richmond, and Lord Petre, he was by them emdation to he then

'i

ployed

HI
ployed
in the regulation of their re-

HI
point of view,
a

Mr.

Hill

spective botanic gardens, and the arrangement of such curious dried

plants, as they were in possession of. Assisted by the gratuities he received from these noblemen, he was enabled to put a scheme in execution of trailing over several parts of this kingdom, to gather the more rare uncommon plants ; a select number

appeared

for

considerable time, admitted to every literary assembly, esteemed and caressed by all the individuals which

composed them, yet indigent and distressed, and sometimes put to difficulties for the obtaining even the

common

necessaries

of

life.

At

prepared in a peculiar manner, he proposed to publish, by Subscription, at a certain price. The

of which,

labour and expences attending on an undertaking of this kind, however, being very great, and the number of even probable purchasers very few, the emoluments accruing to him from all his industry, which was indeed indefatigable, were by no means adequate either to his expectations or his merits. The stage now presented itself to him as a soil in which genius stand a chance of flourishing. might But this plan proved likewise abortive, and, after two or three unsuccessful attempts at the little theatre in the Haymarket, (where he played Oroonoko and Lothario) and at the

length, about the year 1745 or 1746, at which time he had a trifling appointment of apothecary to a regiment or two in the Savoy, he translated fiom the Greek a small tract, written by Theophrastus, on stones and gems, which, by the addition of a great number of very judicious and curious notes, he enlarged into an octavo volume, which formed almost a complete system of that branch of natural history. This work he published by subscription ; and, being extremely well executed, and as

strongly recommended by terary friends, it not only

his

all his li-

answered

expectations from it with respect to pecuniary advantages, but also established a reputation for him as a writer ; in consequence of which, he

Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, particularly in the characters of Constant (Provoked Wife) and the second Spirit of Comus, which he performed during the first run of that masque, as altered by Dr. Dalton, (and in the Dramatis Persona; of

was immediately engaged in works of more extent, and of greater importance.

his

In short,

the rapidity of

pen was astonishing, nor will it perhaps readily gain credit with posterity, that, while he was thus employed in several very voluminous concerns at one time, some of which

which Mr. Hill's name may to this day be seen) he was obliged to relinquish his pretensions to the sock and buskin, and apply again to his botanical pursuits, and his business as an During the course of apothecary.
these occurrences, he was introduced to the acquaintance of several gentlemen, eminent in the literary and

were on

subjects

which seemed to

claim singly the whole of his attention, and which he brought to perfection with an expedition that is scarcely to be conceived, he solely, and without
assistance, carried on a daily periodical essay, under the title of the

any

philosophical world, by all of whom he was received and entertained, on every occasion, with the utmost candour and warmth of friendship, being esteemed as a young man of very

Nor was this the only Inspector. extraordinary circumstance attending on it ; for, notwithstanding this employment, so much leisure did he find means ever to reserve to himself, that he was, at the same time, a constant frequenter of every place of public
amusement.

considerable abilities, struggling with the most laudable assiduity against the stream of misfortune, yet with a degree of bashful diffidence, which seemed an unsurmoun table bar to his ever being able to stem the torrent,

No

play,

opera, mas-

querade, or assembly, but Mr. Hill was sure to be seen at, where he collected, by wholesale, a great variety
of private intrigue and personal scandal, which he as freely retailed again to the public in his Inspectors and Magazines. Having, in one of his

or make that figure in life which his merit justly entitled him to. la this

numbers

HI
numbers of the Inspector, severely the character of reflected upon Mounteney Brown, Esq. late governor of the Bahama islands, that
gentleman met our author at Ranelagh, and resented his treatment in such a manner that Mr. Hill was con fined to his chamber for a considerable time. He also lost some reputation in a contest with Mr.

HI
ed
at
;

and " The Rout,"

farce, acted

Drury Lane, 1758.

actor, is a native of Kidderminster, in Worcestershire. lost his at the age of father Having

HILL, (JAMES)

Wood-

four years, he was educated by an uncle, and apprenticed, at the age of On the expisixteen, to a painter. ration of his indentures, he visited
fortnight,

ward, the
ly insulted

actor, who had been baseby the brother of an Irish nobleman, whose cause Hill attemptto

ed
this

period, his

support with his pen. About first wife died, and he

his chariot,

and assumed the of fashion and galoffered himself a candidate as Fellow of the Royal Society, he was rejected by a great maset

up

character of a
lantry.

man

London, where he remained about a and then went to Bristol, where he was introduced to the manager of the Bath and Bristol theatres, to whom he communicated his wish to attempt the stage, but was informed that the company was already filled, and that there was no prospect
speedy vacancy. He then requested permission to perform one night, to gratify his inclination, with
of a

Having

jority,

chiefly,

as

it

was

sajd,

for

having ridiculed that learned body, some months before, in a pamphlet. This affront so irritated him, that he soon after published a Review of the Philosophical Transactions, in which he treated some papers, which candour must allow were proper objects of criticism, with great acrimony and contempt. Hill now became an object of consideration both in the learned and polite world he obtained a Doctor's degree from St. Andrew's, was chosen a member of the Academy of Bourdeaux, and entered into a correspondence with Sir Charles Linnaeus and the most distinguished fellows of the Swedish Society. During these transactions, he married Miss Sally Jones, sister to Lord Ranelagh, an Irish peer, with whom he lived very happily till the time of his death. His pen continued as prolific as ever, and, in the course of a tew months, he
;

which the manager complied, and he appeared, in June 1796, in the character of Belville (Rosina) when he met with such a flattering reception, that full as his company was, the manager now contrived to make room for him, and he was engaged for five seasons, during which time he became acquainted with Signora Storace, who recommended him to Rauzzini, by whose advice Mr. Hill placed himself under the tuition of Mr. Richards, the leader of the band, at the Bath theatre,

and having received

few

les-

from Xeamenes and others, finished his instructions with Rauzzini. Having performed a variety of vocal
sons characters the two first seasons, with increased approbation, MH Harris, wishing to engage him f8r Covent Garden, applied to Mr. Diamond to release him from his articles, with

produced several novels and other

works. In the latter part of his life he was honoured by the kins; of Sweden with the order of Vasa, (a badge of knighthood) and died in

which that manager obligingly comHis first appearance in Lonplied. don was in 1798, in the character of Edwin, (Robinhood) and ever since he lias retained a respectable situabut more as a singer than tion,
actor.

November,

1775, of the gout, a dis-

order which, though he professed to cure in others, he was unable to root out of his own constitution. He was His dramatic buried at Denham. " Orpheus," rejected by pieces are, " The Maiden Rich, folio, 1740;

author of a farce, called " A Journey to Bristol ; or, The Honest Welshman," acted at Lincoln's Inn
Fields,

H1PPESLLY (JOHN),

actor,

and

1731.

He was

reckoned an
per-

excellent low comedian, and his

Whim

or,

Critical

Minute," farce,

acted at Urury Lane, 1756, not print-

formance was much heightened by a distortion of his face, occasioned by an accidental burn in his youth. His siuu-

HI
situation in the theatre

HO
est son of the Bishop of Winchester, and born Feb. 10, 1705-6. was educated at Dr. Newcomb's, Hack-

very insignificant, than a candle-snuffer ; but on the death of Pinkethman, a comedian, he succeeded to all his characters, and became a favourite with the public;
in

was at first being no more

He

ney, and Benet College, Cambridge,

Recruiting Officer, Scrub, &c. He built a theatre at Bristol, and had another in some forwardness at Bath when he died. At
Collier,

the

one period of his life he kept a coffeehouse, near Covent Garden. He had two daughters, both actresses ; and one of them, Mrs. Green, was excellent in the characters of envious ladies and Abigails. She belonged to

being admitted pensioner April 8, 1722. Here he took a degree in phyIn 1728 he was upon 1727. the list of gentlemen to be created doctors of physic, but in the last list his name was omitted, and he had not his degree of M. D. till about a
sic in

month

after, by a particular mandamus. He was F. R. S. when very young was made registrer of Here-

ford while his father filled that see,

Covent Garden.

He

and was appointed physician

majesty's

to his

had a son, who

died governor of a fort in Africa, whom he intended for the stage ; but

Hippesley's is a piece of humour, which is still occasionally delivered on the stage He (particularly bv Mr. Lee Lewis). died at Bristol,' Feb. 12. 1748.

Mr. Quin observed, that it the young gentleman was absolutely to make appearance in public, it was high time to bum him ; meaning, that he should have his father's face. Old Hippesley was a man of letters, and wrote several very sensible pamph" Drunken Man " lets.
his

household June 9, 1742. marriage was with Elizabeth, of daughter Henry Betts, Esq. of Suffolk, councellor at law, by whom he had one son, that died an infant. His second marriage was with Ann, daughter and coheiress of the honorable General Armstrong, by whom he left no issue. He died in the lifetime of his father, August 10, 1757, at his house at Chelsea, which he had
His
first

built ten vears before.

of two comedies, called "

HITCHCOCK

(ROBERT), author The Ma-

caroni," 1773; and, "The Coquet; or, Mistakes of the Heart," 1777 ; both acted at York, where he was for-

(JOHN), author of the " Contrast," a comedy acted at Lincoln's Inn Fields, 1732, not printed, was brother of- the preceding, born Oct. 8, 171 1. He was educated at the same school, where he got
great applause by performing the character of Phocias (Siege of Damascus'. June, V 30. He was admitted at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and about the same time at the Temple, intending to study the law, which design, however, he abandoned. lie took the degree of L. L. B. in 1735, and in Nov. 29

HOADLY

merly an actor. He was prompter at the Haymarket, in the late Mr. Colman's tircpf* when his daughter made her first appearance on the stage, in " The Silver Tankard," 1781: after which he became prompter in Dublin, and his wife and daughter great
favourites on the Irish stage. The latter retired in consequence of her

marriage with a gentleman, now an but eminent barrister in Dublin her mother still retains her situation Mr. Hitchcock, while in as actress. " Dublin, wrote the History of the Irish Stage," but has not yet brought

following was appointed chancellor of Winchester, ordained deacon by his father, Dec. 7, and priest Dec. 21. He was immediately received into the Prince of Wales's houshold, a- his chaplain, and afterwards in that of the Princess Dowager. He died March If-, 1776; and with him the

down to the present period. He has a son, who was bred in the university of Dublin, and is now at the
it

name

Irish bar.

admired comedy of " The Suspicious Husband," 1747, was eldthe

still

HOADLY

(BENJAMIN), authorof

two oratorios, " 1737; and " The Force of Jephtha," 176+ and Truth," two dramatic pastorals, " Love's Re;

of Hoadly Besides the above

became
piece,

extinct.

he wrote

venge," 1745

He

and " Phoebe," 1748. revised Lillo's " Arden of Feversham,"

;

KO
sham," " Mahomet." ler's
have
the

HO
act of Milless compliant than the managers of Bath, he was obliged, at first, to bring out his pieces for benefits, and consequently forego the customary emolument. Their success soon induced the managers to accept what tliey had Ixfore rejected, and having thus established his fame, he

and wrote the

fifth

London

is supposed to assisted his brother materially in

He

comedy

of

"The

Suspicious Hus-

band. Several dramatic pieces he left " behind him in M.S. particularly, The

Housekeeper," a farce, on the plan of " High Life below Stairs;" in favour of which piece it was rejected by " Mr. Garrick. A comedy, called The Tatlers," was acted at Covent Garden, for Mr. Holman's benefit, 1797, to have been from a M. S. of Benjamin Hoadly, but if written by of the family, it is more likely Dr. any John Hoadlv. HOARE (PRINCE), dramatist, is e native of Bath, and younger son of William Hoare, who was long a dissaid

in difficulty procuring favour and indulgence ; and, the success of hi* indeed, general writings gives him a tide thereto,

finds their

no

now

which few modern dramatists can His works are "Julia, or, boast. Such Things were," a tragedy, acted at Bath, 1785, and at Drury Lane, for
Mrs. Siddons's benefit, 1796
;

"No

tinguished artist of the same place. He was placed early in Mr. Hele's grammar school, at Bath, and, during the intervals of school hours, was instructed by his father in painting, which he made a considerable pro-

Song no Supper," musical entertainment, acted at Drury Lane, for Mr. " The Cave of 1790
Kelly's benefit, ; ditto, for Mrs. Crouch's " Dido Queen of Carbenefit, 1791 ; thage," serious opera, 1792; "The Prize, or 2, 5, 3, 8," musical entertainment, for Signora Storace's

Trophonius,"

At seventeen he was sent gress in. to London, and became a student of

the royal academy,

where he mani-

fested' his attachment to the arts, by devoting more than the regular time

benefit, 1793; My Grandmother," ditto, acted at the Haymarket, for Signora Storace's benefit, 1793 ; "The Three and the Deuce," opera, acted at the Haymarket, 1795 ; " Lock and

"

to labour,

whole

and frequently writing the intermission. day without Agreeable to the practice of other his travels in commenced he artists, 1776, and, after an absence of four and setto returned England, years,

Covent Gardsn, 179 i; " Mahmoud,""opera, acted at Drury Lane, The Friend in Need," mu1796;
at
sical

Key," musical entertainment, acted

He contitled himself in London. nued in his profession with considerable success, but an ill state of health obliged him suddenly to decline it, and withdraw to the sea coast for the
He now, for of the air. amusement, attempted dramatic writing; and whtle on his way to Lisbon, which voyage was recommended to him for the recover)' of his health, he
benefit
offspring of his presented inuse, a tragedy, to the managers of the Bath Theatre, and at Lisbon had the gratification to hear of its success. He returned to England in 1788. havhis exing derived much benefit from cursion, and, by the persuasions of Mr. Storace. who then was eminent a 5 a composer, and the flattering recep-

entertainment, acted at Drury" The Italian Lane, 1797 ; Villagers," opera, acted at Covent Garden, 1797; "The Captive of Spilsburg," musical entertainment, acted at Dru" ry I.ane, 1798 ; Sighs, or the Daughter," comedy, altered from Kotzebue, acted at the Haymarket, 1799 ; " The Children, or Give them their Way," farce, acted at Drury Lane,
for a benefit, 1S0O; and, " Indiscretion," comedy, acted at Drury Lane, 1800. Few of his pieces are printed.

the

first

1775; and " Zoraida," acted at Drury Lane, 17K0; and of a farce acted at Drury " The Adventures of a Lane, called Night," 1783. He was a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and in
1770 obtained Mr. Seaton's prize.

two

HUDSON (WILLIAM), "

tragedies,

author of Arsaces,"

tion of his fu>t play, he applied his mind entirely to dramatic compositut rinding the managers of tion,

HOLCROFT, (HIOMAM drama

tist,

and formerly

actor,

is

a native of

the county of Lancaster,

was brought
'up

HO
up to the profession of a shoemaker, and long after the attainment of manhood was chained by the hard hand of necessity to produce daily subsistence by unremhted labour. The time, or the particular incident, which determined him to seek reputation among the heroes of the theatre, has never been ascertained Perhaps an aversion to a mechanical trade, in the practice of which he could not hope to indulge the power of fancy, jnight have led him to consider of
ways and means to emancipate himself; and it is well known that the
itinerant or travelling companies of comedians are the asylums for those aspiring youths, whose minds are too 1 his lofty to allow them to vork. last, however, does not appear to have been his case. He did not quit
his
bility,

HO
addressed himself. Instead of enclosing a panegyric on the modem
Roscius, he sent him a tale of woe, calculated to excite the tear of sensi-

and to encourage that pleasing of melancholy, of which only a few of the choicest and most delicate minds are susceptible. It would not do. He called repeatedly, and at last

How

received his ultimatum. Sheridan was then to be applied to. Holcroft, mortified at his repulse by Garrick, and still more at a rapid approach towards a vacuum in that part of the animal system called the pocket, sat down to write, and in a few days
finished a theatrical piece, which he " conveyed to the author of the School Scandal." This gentleman, who possesses abilities perhaps unequalled among his contemporaries, though naturally benevolent and universally disposed to listen to and assist whoever applies to him for advice or protection,
is

for.

undertook the arduous, and at present too romantic task, of ascending the heights of fame, and did not seem to think that the indefinite faculty called genius was sufficient to raise
its

profession

in pursuit of

ease

but

likewise in possession

of

no very moderate fund of indolence.

This distinguished trait in the character of the manager was exhibited to the great chagrin of our bard ; and if his had not fortunately fallen piece into the hands of the late Mrs. Sheridan, it might probably have remained for ever unattended to and unpenned. However, he at length succeeded, and was received into the

possessor unless cultivated.

Those

revolutions in point of circumstances to which the " Brief chronicles of the times" are particularly subjected,

were experienced by Mr. H.

But

his care and attention, which did not suffer his abilities to wither by neglect, soon rendered him a desirable acquisition to the country theatres.

He

perfected himself

and advanced

practical music, into the theory ; the productions of our best English
far

in

theatre at the very small salary of twenty shillings per week. The piece above-mentioned was probably "The Crisis; or, Love and Fear," a musical

poets were read by him with a very critical Prologues, epiapplication. logues, ano, it is supposed, interludes of his composition were occasionally subjected to the judgment of their audiences, and received with approbation so that he was in possession of
:

in

some leisure and

in

a genteel subsistence,
to try his fortune

when he determined
London
in
first

" comedy, called Duplicity," at Covent Garden, and quitted his situation at Drury Lane as actor that year. This piece was lately compressed into three acts, and performed under the "
title
title

not printed, entertainment, but which was acted at Drury Lane In 1782, he produced a 1778.

of

The Masked Friend,"

spoils the

the year

1776.

His

which entirely

piece,

manoeuvre in London was to apply to the celebrated Garrick, to whom he sent an epistle explanatory of his wishes to be engaged in his theatre, and inclosed a piece of poetry as a proof of his abilities. This was a
tolerably well projected scheme, but it did not succeed for wantof? knowledge of the personage to whom he

by anticipating the principal characIn 17S4 he produced an opera, ter. acted at the Ilaymarket, called " The

Noble Peasant," and a comedy, translated from the French, entitled, " The Follies of a Day," which task was accomplished in three weeks, and the piece read, studied, and repiesented in a fortnight after at Covent

HO
vent Garden.

HO
,

The author performed

the character of Figrou in it and the considerable run of the piece established his fame as an author, but as an actor, he never acquired much reputation in London, though he was highly appro- ed of in the country in old men's characters, and others of low

from the Duke of Devonshire, it the request of Mr. Garrick, to place a

monumental
the

manager)

inscription [written by in the chanrel of Chiihis

wick church, to

memory.
a< tor,

HOLLAND, (Mr.

who

hav-

comedy. Accordingly he now quitted the stage entirely, and applied himself to literature, having produced several poems, novels, translations from the German and French, and, the sacred dramas. among latter, His other pieces for the stage were " The Choleric Fathers," opera, Co-

ing acquired much credit on the provincial theatres, made his first appearance at Drury Lane in die modest character of MarceHes, Hamlet. )

This

vent Garden, 178.5; " Seduction," " The comedy, Drury Lane, 1787 ; School for Arrogance,'' comedy, Covent Garden, 1791; "The Road to " Love's FrailRuin," ditto, 1792
j

respectable, but unassuming pet former, was for some time before he obtained an opportunity of exerting his abilities on London boards at last, on the death of Mr. Palmer, Mr. barrymore having performed his character in the " Stranger," (Baton
:

Steinfort)

Mr.
in
after,

Holland

succeeded

ties

Precept against Practice," "The Deserted Daugh"The Man of Ten Thousand," ditto, Drury Lane, 1796 " The Force of Ridicule," ditto, 179o " Knave or Not," ditto, 179S and he is supposed to be the author of " lie's much to blame," comedy.
;

or.

ditto, 1794; ter," ditto, I79>

Covent Garden, 1798. He assisted several periodical works, and in 179), about the beginning of October, was, with eleven others, indicted by the

Count Wintersen; and on the indisposition of Mr. C. Kemble, he performed Alonzo, (Pizarro) and Palmer's character of Sydenham, (Wheel of Fortune) when he sufficiently proved that his talents were entitled to mora attention and encouragement from the managers, and that he only wanted that encouragement to be far superior to others who were already advanced in the theatre.
Barrymore

some time

HOLLINGSWORTH,

(Mr.) actor,

crown

for

whom

high

treason

three

of

ted, in

against the other nine, (among whom was Mr. Holcroft) the Judge directed the Jury to find a verdict of Not He is a married Guilty, Dec. 15. man, and has a familv. HOLLAND, (CHARLES) actor in Mr. Garrtck's time, and when that gentleman left London to take the tour of Italy for his heal'h, was witli Messrs. G. Ganick, Lacy, and Powlie was a very ell, acting manager,
useful, and had great requisites for a capital performer, a line appearance, a strong, melodious, articulate voice, and a good understandin short, he was a favourite with ing the public, of which, by industry and he rendered himself application, worthy, lie died at the age of thirtyof the small si v pox, December 7, his rela.ions 17<>9 obtained lease
; :

having been tried and acquitconsequence of the Attorney General declining to bring evidence

was instructed by Mr. Younger, tinder whose protection he played some trifling characters at Covent Garden, and was then taken by his tutor to Liverpool, where he soon distinguished himself as a low comedian. Here he met with an unfortunate accident: one evening, between the play and
farce, peeping, according to

custom, through the aj>erture in the curtain, he received an apple with a penknife stuck in it, near his eye, which

endangered

his

sight,

and was the

cau-e of a long confinement. Having performed at Edinburgh, York, Manchester, &c. with applause, he was engaged at Drury Lane Theatre in 17-^S, and retained his situation with
credit.

1IULMAN,

(JOSEPH GEORGE)

dramatist and actor, is descended from a most respectable family, and received his education at Sorio academy. In 178", he entered Queen's
College, Oxford, and was particularly noticed by that honourable society,

who gave him

his

degree after he be-

came

HO
came
of the theatre. At school, he performed several characters, and Mr. Garrick, who saw him represent Hamlet there, expressed the highest approbation of his juvenile excellence. His first appeara

HO
from one hundred and forty pounds to one hundred and sixty pounds. The proprietors contended that orders had ever been held as a gratuitous indulgence, and that they had never been allowed without special leave of the managers that with
nefit
:

member

ance on a public stage was at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, in Romeo, October 26, 1784, and the manager paid him every attention, there having been several rehearsals

respect to the fine for refusing characters, much disgust had been given to authors, and much injury done to

on

the occasion, and particularly a general one, when they were all dressed in character, and the house filled with private company. After this he played Chamont, Richard III, &c. with much approbation. At the end of the third season, he left Covent

the property by the rejection of such characters : and that on the subject of encreasing the amount of the benefit charge, they were perfectly authorized in that proceeding by the encrease of the night-expences of the theatre, which the te-.timony of the treasurer, proposed to be substantiated by affidavit, estimated at more than one hundred and sixty pounds.

Garden,

in

consequence or some

dif-

ference about an encrease of salary. He then visited Dublin, where he had played before during an after season,

The performers observed

in

answer,

consequence of the approbation he then met with, now made advantageous terms with Mr. Daly for the winter season. At the time of his first playing on the Irish stage, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Pope, Mr. Kemble, Mr. Aicken, &c. were also enand it should be remarked, gaged that Mr. Henderson, Mr. Kemble, and Mr. Holman, played Hamlet several nights alternately, and though the two former had many admirers, Mr. Holman had also his share. Having performed at Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, &c. with considerable applause, he was re-engaged by Mr. Harris, and resumed his situation at Covent Garden with encreased approbation. In the season of 1890 a disagreement took place between the proprietors of Covent Garden, and eight of their principal performers, viz. Messrs. Holman, Johnstone, Fawcett, Pope, Knight, H. Johnston, Munden, and
in
;

and

that orders had not been held by any gratuitous indulgence, but by an established privilege, for which they referred to a former declaration of the manager : that the advance of the
fine from five pounds to thirty pounds gave to the managers the power of depressing and degrading professional talents, and of extorting from the first

actor of the theatre, by that main engine of oppression, the whole of his and that the benefit charge salary
:

had experienced an advance, in the course of twenty years (for it was only sixty-four pounds five shillings in

pounds fifteen With respect to the first it must be acknowledged complaint,

1780)
ninety-five
shillings.

of

Incledon, when a statement of their grievances (drawn up with clearness and precision) was accordingly signed and published by the above gentle-

that orders are at the option of the managers ; but when orders are promiscuously issued, (being at times of as much service to the proprietors as to the performers) surely the performers have some claim to that indulgence ; of course, they had some reason to complain, for they had been denied that indulgence though the house had been frequently filled with them. The second was certainly a

The ground of difference restprincipally upon the proprietors depriving their performers of the customary orders of admission, in enlarging the fine of five pounds for refusing a character to thirty pounds, and in raising the charge of a bemen.
ed

serious complaint ; for though managers might say, that many good characters have been rejected by actors of even inferior abilities, this was no

argument
to

for

compelling performers

hazard their reputation : every actor should be the guardian of his own fame, and never attempt a part,

HO
or at least repeat it, which was either beneath him, or to which he was Garrick could never inadequate. have attained that honour he had acquired, had he been subject to such He not only rearbittary measures. signed, but rejected characters, (see Garrick and Hill, (Aaron) and,
doubtless,
gerial
it
| i

HO
bly influenced by the speciout declarations of the managers. often

How

do even judges and jury disagree f an had his lordship referred the uiatter to a committee of twelve, (suppose four managers, four ttuthir-, and four actors) theie is linle doubt but
I

that the complaints, especially the

last,

is

owing

to this

mana,

despotism that
actors

we

two would have been acknowledged

Mr.

see

many

and

too often actresses of

just.-i

Holman having

n<

rendering themselves ridiculous on London boards: The thud complaint has some groun Is, when we consider that performers have not the
abilities

same opportunity (by orders) of making friend- as before: and when we also consider that the additional expences have been incurred by the
managers
themselves,

who

have

thought proper to rebuild, enlarge,

ornaments of their winter theaties: why, it may be asked, should performers pay for their caprice and whims, especially as
to the exterior

and add

the public pay by the additional prices of admission to boxes and pit ! When the benefit charges were only sixtyfour pounds live shillings, it is

well known ihat a performer derived more profit from his night* than he

wimer
and

generally does now, even though the theatres are thcice as large it is also well known that many a
:

performer at present lias no more, and sometimes in the hou^e less than the charges and cursory expences so thai, in fact, he has
distinguished
;

chased jermons, or think to awaken conscience by thumping a dusty cushion His dramatic works are "

which gave birth to his formed a few nights at the and then accepted of an Haymarket, engagement for the en uing winter from the manager of the Dublin theatre, who proposed the same to all, or any of the performers, who might leave Covent Garden in consequence of die above disagreement. Such was Mr. Holman's success in Dublin, that it was said he was in treaty with the manager for his patent. In 17! '8, he married the daughter of the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Hamilton ; in consequence of which union, it was reported, he would shortly leave the siage for the pulpit: should this ever he the case, Mr. Holman will certainly add to the number of the very few preachers who can write their own discourses, and deliver them with proper eneigy; not like too many, who tediously d.awl over their purted a theatre
talents, pet

quit-

Abroad and

at

Home,"

comic

solicited the service, of his friend, not for his own, but for the benefit of

the managers t This disagreement was left (by mutual consent) to the Lord Chambeilain for decision. His

opera," acted at Covent Garden, 1790. It was originally called "The King's Bench," but was prohibited under
that title by the licenser; ''The " tary of Wealth, "comedy, 17! !! ;
1

Vo-

Red

Cross Knights," play, with songs, act-

lordship wished to have declined the office of arbitrator, but gave at last his opinion in favour of the proprieat the same tors, recommending,

time, an amicable oblivion of ihe past.

of

adjustment and

course,

The complaints, were dropped, and the

reinstated,

ed at the Haymarket. 171)9,'-this is an alteration of" f'ne Robbers;" ami ' What a Blunder?" comic opera, acted at the Haymarket, 1800, all Before lie produced a piece printed. of his own, he assisted in several. HOME, .JOHN) dramatist, was a

Holman, who either was not offered, or would not accept of a re-engagement.

performers

except

Mr.

his

great a

Marquis
spoke

to

Tiie writer of this has too ist noble respect for the disapprove of his conduct

historian Hume. He was bred to the ministry in the kirk of Scotland,

1

native of Scotland, and, as his name has been sometimes spelt with an U, was supposed to be related to the

in this affair.

Hi lordship, no doubt,

but offended the elders by having written a tragedy. (Douglas which

sentiments, but was proba-

was accepted by
U.
'i

the

managers of the
Kdio

HO
burgh Theatre, (then in some repute) and intended for immediate represen;ation. Thee zealots having in vain endeavoured to convince the author of the great sin of writing a play, endeavoured, but l.kewise in vain, to terrify the performers from
representing it. The incensed elders accordingly expelled, and for ever disqualified for the ministry, not only this disobedient son, but even others
for being his friends, and witnessing the performance of a play, in which the principles of virtue, of morality, of filial duty, of patriotic zeal, and of reverence for an over-ruling power were in the strongest manner inculcated and enjoined. They also thundered their anathemas in advertise-

HO
native

and his wife " The (maiden name Madden) wrote Double Disguise," opera, Drury Lane, 1784. He has two sons, one of whom was bred at the University of Oxford, where he is now settled with a wife and family, and is ihe reputed author
of

England,

of at

"

Drury Lane,

Jack of Newbury," opera, acted 1795 ; and " Dia-

mond Cut Diamond

1797,

Veneor, ; tian Revels," mu-ical entertainment, acted at Covent Garden for a benefit,

for the theatre. Mr. Hook has composed for the stage, the above pieces,

and repeated a few

nights

and some others, ' The Peruvian," " Wilmcre He has Castle," &c.
long assisted Vauxhall, for which, indeed, his compositions are better adapted, being very happy in ballad airs, but wanting variety and spirit
sufficient for operas.

ments, pamphlets, &c. against those

implements of Satan, the actors, who had thus led aside, or at least abetted in his wandering, this lost sheep of
their flock.

HOOLE, (JOHN)
tragedies acted
viz.

author of three

However, as persecution most commonly defeats its own purposes, so did it happen in this case,
for the
ill

at

"
;

1770

Timotheus," Cyrus," 1768 ; and " Cleonice, Princess of

Covent Garden, "

treatment which the author

in
his

country, procured him a mot valuable protection in another. Having been known to the Earl of Bute, who represented the circumstances of this unreasonable oppression to our present Sovereign, then Prince of Wales, his Rojal Highness settled a very handsome pension on him, and, sheltering a man of genius under his own patronage, put it out of the power of either bigotry or

met with

own

Bithynia," 1775. He al.-o translated Tasso, and part of Ariosto, and was auditor to the East India Company.- His son, the Rev. Richard Hoole, L. L. B. is author of poems, &c.

HOPER, (Mrs.) maiden name Harford, produced three dramatic pieces, " The Battle of Poictiers viz. ; or, Edward the Black Prince," tragedy, acted at Goodman's Fields, 17-1-7 ;
"
'i'he Cyclopaedia," farce, acted a-t the Hayniarkei, 1748; " Q.ueen Tragedy restored," ditto, 1749, which last is the only one printed. She was the daughter of an eminent upholsteier and cabinet-maker in the city, and her husband, to whom she brought no inconsiderable fortune, followed the same occupation in Cirnhill. Being left a widow, with a son too young to conduct the business, she was obliged to entrust it to journey-

malevolence

to blast his laurels.

He

obtained a place under government, and never resumed his clerical profession, but continued to write tragedies, which were performed at the His dramatic London Theatres. '' works are " Douglas," 17.57 ; Agk"

"

1758;

"

I'he Siege

of Aquileia,"

Discovery," " " Alfred," 1778. Alonzo," 1773,

;

The

Fatal

0, 1769

17,

--The

first
still

was

which
piece.

continues

the most successful, a favourite

HOOK,

(Miss) actress,

made

her

first appearance at the llaymarket Theatre in Polly, (Beggar's Opera June II, 1782, and was supposed to be some near relation of the following. HOOK, (JAMES) composer, is a

finding it decrease, became prudent in time, and sold off her stock in trade, she then applied her mind to dramatic writing,, but having written the above pieces, was mor-

men, but

tified at their

having been rejected by managers however, she found means, at her own expence, to have
the
:

them represented, but

their success

not being adequate to her wishes, she

retired

HO
retired with her son, now to infield, in Middlesex,
latter, set up a

HO
grown up, where the
;

who had

a liberal education, preparatory school, in whii:h

he met with good s access and which, since his death, which hap|>ened some years ago, was continued under the care of his mother.

the united efforts of his composer (Mr Hook) the above-men ionerl piece was accepted by the Drury Lane managers. In this the author's avowed hope was to revive Old English Optra in opposition to the present
taste for

HOPKINS, Mrs.) actress, member of Drury Lane company

at the

was a

and both
Castle,"

musical pageantry and bustle ; but the attempt was unsuccessful ; in his preface to "Wilmore

and a pamphlet which he

twenty years ago, where she represented old ladies. She was engaged

Haymarket

as a substitute for

o: the

Mrs. Webo, but did not seem to be same weigh/, for the several miserable puns which were intro-

afterwards published, and in which he takes a review of all the recent operatical productions, he seems to ascribe the cause of its failure to jealousy and

mismanagement.

duced
lady
s

in

pieces, relative to that corpulence, lost theif effect

!

some

author of three tragedies, ; Almeyda " The or, the Rival Kings," 1770;
siege of

HOWARD, (GORGES "EDMUND)

Tamor," 1773
;

when Mrs. Cheshire died HOPKINS, (Miss) actress, daughter of

Female Gamester,"

the
l.arie

preceding,

belonged to
in

Drury

Theatre
benefit

1777.-

It

and " The He was an attorney in Dublin, and wrote everal better acbeen law books, having
1778.

was

croft's

Mr. Holdramatic piece, called " The Crisis," was performed. HOULTON, (ROBERT) author of " Wilmore Castle,' musical enterfor

her

that

tirst

quainted with the proceedings of the courts than the business of a theatre. ---According to his own account, he
did not begin to court the tragic muse till he was fifty years of age ; and, probably, the lady thought him at too advanced a period of life to bestow on him any of her gracious smiles.

tainment, acted at Drury Lane, 1800, is a native of England, and studied which he pracphy-ic at Edinburgh,
ticed

when

in lrelan i, inoculation was fir t introduced He afterwards agisted periothere. dical work.-, and brought out several

wirh some success

The

first

tragedy was played

for

musical pieces on the Dublin stages, '' viz. The Contract." opera, the music by Mr. (now Dr.) Stevenson, acted a; smock Alley, and afterwards at Capel Street, under the title of " The Doable " GiStratagem ;" braltcr,'' opera, acted several night* " |7SJ;
at

benefit at Smock Alley, Dublin, and universal laughter attended the disThe tresses of his hero and heroine. second wa; performed to empty

benches at

Fishamble Street.

He

of poems, but produced a volume " though they were complained, that

published for the beneiit of a chanty, the envious town refused to encourage the sale." He died a few
years ago.

Capel Street, Orpheus and Eundice," burlesque opera, acted at Capel Street, &c. On his return to London, he assisted a morning paper, and produced some wellwntten poems,&c also songs for Vauxhali, and prologues, paiti.'ularly one t >r Crot :het Lodge, which wa> spoken by Mr. Fawcett, and universally admired. His ' Belle's have at ye all,"
originally ,poken by Miss Scrace, at Crow Street, Dublin, was likewise

HOWELL,
;

(Miss F.)

singer,

was

introduced to the public at Vauxhall,

I

'

where her sister also sung, and at the early age of fifteen made her first appearance on the stage at Covent
Garden
:

}'
I

in Daphne, (Daphne and Amintor) Sept. '.'9, 1800. So great was her timidity, that she was near

fainting on her entrance, but having

recovered
i

faction,

herself, gave general satisand reneated the character

delivered by Mrs. Mattock's on It her benefit at Covent Garden. was some time, however, before lie obtained an opportunity of becoming

with

much

applause.

She afterwards
1

!j

pciformed Clara (Duenna

nora. (Padlock. 1

and
of

a dra.aatisti.i Luadou: at leneih, by

and I.eovoice is sweet she is and flexible, possessed both taste and a good ear.

Her

HOY

HO
the

HU
sea! for
;

HOY, (Mr.) present manager of theatre in Wolverhampton whose company lately consisted of Mr Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Blandford, Mr. and Mrs. duantrell, Mr. and Mrs.
Pritchard, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Farren, Mr. Shuter, Mis. Chambers, Mrs. Field. &c. HUDDART, (Mr.) actor, is of a

purchasing lands, in order to the better securing the royal docks

and yards at Portsmouth, Chatham, and Harwich. He continued, however, to pursue his natural inclination to letters, and added to his thorough knowledge of the learned, as intimate an acquaintance with the

respectable Irish family, and having performed three nights in Dublin

with some applause, made his first appearance in London, (being his fourth upon any stage) in Othello, October 15, 1798. Probably had he been less aspiring, he might have been

His numerous performance^ in verse and prose, his unblemished reputation, and his exemplary candour and modesty, introduced him, not only to the most
considerable

modern languages.

members

of the republic

more

successful.

of letters, such as Mr. Addison. Mr. Congreve, Mr. Pope. Mr. Southern, Mr. Kowe, and many others but also
;

HUGHES, (JOHN) dramatist, was the son of a worthy citizen uf London, by Anne, the daughter of Isaac Burgess, Esq. of

an ancent family and a competent fortune in Wiltshire, where, in the town of Marlborough, our author was born, Jan. 29, 1677. He was early brought to London, received the first rudimen's of letters
in

some of the greatest men in the kingdom; and, amongst these, to Thomas. Earl, and afterwards Marquis of Wharton, who, to express his
to

regard for Mr.

carry him over,

Hughes, offered to and provide for him,

lord

when appointed

lieutenant of

Ireland. But, depending on the promises of another great man, who had

some of the

lesser schools of this

metropolis, and, by the extraordinary care of his master, invited by his own diligence, his various acquisitions, and the manner in which they were applied, did no small honour to a private education. He became early

undertaken to dispose of him more agreeably at home, he declined that obliging offer, which brought upon

him a disappointment that gave him some uneasiness, though he had nothing in him of a narrow and selfi h sp rit. He amused himself, about this
time, with the translation of one of Moliere's plays, which he performed with equal judgment and spirit, and

and thoroughly acquainted with the ancients, which gave him a true taste and a correct judgment, at an age when, by many who are yet intended
for scholars, th.se

terms are scarce had a weak, or at least a delicate constitution, which, perhaps, diverted him from several
understood.

He

entertained so great a.liking for that excellent comic wiiter, that at his leisure hours he turned several scenes of his into English. His friend Mr.
set

studies,

and inclined him

the

company

signing,
state

to seek, in of the sister arts, of deand that music, poetry,

his

afterwards S;r Richard Steele, having up that agreeable paper the

amusement, which

valetudinary

of health rendered one of the At 19 he greatest blessings of life. drew the outlines of a tragedy, and about the same time turned into English one of the most celebrated, but at the same time one of the most difficult, odes in Horace, in a manner and with a facility that indicated true genius. His acquaintance with the muses did not render him averse to business ; he had a place in the office of ordnance, and was secretary to several commissions under the great

Tatler, Mr. Hughes contributed Lis assistance, as he likewise did to the In 1712, he brought upSpectator. on the stage his opera of " Calypso and Telemachus," in favour of winch, under the patronage of Duke Hamilton, for
parties,

Mr. Hughes's merit and mohe

rai

desty procured

him friends with all ed a considerable sub-

'1 he Italians were alarmscription. ed at this, and, when it was upon the point of being acted in the theatre in

the Haymarket, they obtained from the then Lord Chamberlain, the Duke of Shrewsbury, an order, either to act at common puces, or not to act at all.

Under

HU
Under
it

HU
,

discouragement, however, was |>erformed, andwiih applause

this

learned men, very willingly did. Hit circumstances were now easy, but his
health, which was never good, gre\r daily worse and worse, from the na-

justifying fully the sense of it- author, that the English language, though not so soft, is nevertheless as capable of

harmony as the Italian. He had the honour to find, besides the approbation of the public, the judgment of the

most able critics on his side ; and, which must have given him singular satisfaction, the open te-timony of Mr.

Add

ture of his distemper, a lingering incurable c insumption. His tragedy, unified " The Siege of Damascus," was brought upon the stage February 17, 17l9-'20, the very night its author died, and met wi h the highest apIt is worthy of plause. observation,
that very few plays have succeeded so well as this, more especially when it remembered, that the author could not lttend the rehearsals to give those

from

It appears son in his favour. the preface prefixed to the

Guardian, that Mr. Hughes, amongst

the other great wits and able writers of those times, contributed not a little to the support of that agreeable as well as useful work ; but there is no

is

directions which were necessary. Agreeable to the wishes of the managers, but contrary to his own inclination, he consented to make an apostate of his hero, who in the original copy was true to his religion. He was privately buried in the vault under the chancelof St. Andrew schurch, in Holborn.

account of the particular papers that he wrote, except one, which conlains ihe travery- judicious remarks upon gedy of Othello, in which the beauiies

and the blemishes of that affecting repreplay aie critically and candidly " In 1716, his sented Apollo and

Daphne" appeared upon

in ihe fate of

the stage,

joint

which

his friend Sir Ri-

hard Steele interested himself very much. Their acquaintance had been

actor and manager of the theatres of Exeter, is said to &c. Weymouth, Plymouth, he a native of Birmingham, and of Welch extraction. He was intended
for
liis

HUGHES, (RICHARD)

of a long standing ; and we may remark, to the honour of our author,

that,

business

(his

brother

being

though he very
lost, a

easily

very rarely
less in the

friend.

made, he He was no

printer),

good graces of Mr. Pope,

and frequently assists at theatres in scene-painting, in which he discovers considerable taste. He has occasionally performed in

own

and

lived also in a constant course of

the commissions of the peace, an honourable employment, and of consiand conferred upon derable value
,

and friendship with Mr. 1717 Earl Cowper, to whom he had been but lately made known, appointed him secretary to
intimacy

Rowe.

In

London for benefits, particularly the character of Jobson (Devil to Pay.) His success, as manager, enabled him to become the chief proprietor of Sadler's

Wells; and no man, perhaps,

is

better calculated for the management of the above theatres than Mr.

him many other maiks of friendship and favour. Thee were returned by Mr. Hughes with all possible teslimonies of the most respectful gratitude, as appears by several poems addressed to that noble Lord, whose concern for Mr. Hughes was so great, own emthat, when he resigned his
ployment, he, by a letter, of which Mr. Hughes himself was the bearer, made it his request to Lord Parker, afterwards Earl of Macclesfield, to continue him in the office which lie had bestowed upon him; which his Lordship, who was also a true lover of learning, and a kind patron to

Hughes; for though he is not always agreeable to his performers, it is because he is determined that they shall be as agreeable as possible to the

company who
wi
1

visit

his theatres:

he

sutler

no actor, nor
his

actress, to

boards in an improper dress, nor allow those liberties which counlry performers are too apt to take. R. ing strictly punctual in his payments, lie is resolved that they shall be strictly attentive to their business: and under such management, is no wonder that the theatre of it Weymouth should have so many royal Mr. Hughes has had a large \isits. family, but has lately buried three
daughters,

appear on

HU
daughters, one of whom was married to Mr. Grimaldi, of Drury Lane Theatre, Sadler's Wells, &c. HULL, (THOMAS) dramatist, and one of the o'dest actors now on the

HU
Royal
'
'

Merchant,"

opera,
;

1768

London

stage.

When Mr. Colman

which

Henry 11. or the Fall of Rosa" Edward mond, tragedy, 1774 and Eleonora," altered from Thomp" will Love find out the son, 1775 " Way," comic opera, 1777 Iphige; :

relinquished the management of Covent Garden Theatre, Mr. Hull was

nia

" Timon of Athens," altered from

Shakespeare, 1786
;

or, the Victim," tragedy. 1778;

appointed

deputy-manager,

" Disinterested

situation he filled three years with great credit ; but finding it ton laborious for his constitution, he was obliged to resign it. and he was succeeded by Mr. Lewis, the present acting manager. To this gentleman's credit. it must be added, that the theatrical fund for the relief of distressed actors and actresses was founded by him.

Love," altered from Messina, 1798.

This laudable and philanthropic institution Mr. Hull had long in agilation, but had no opportunity of promoting it till Mrs. Hamilton, an actress once

He has also are not printed. produced s oine favourite oratorios. He has likewise employed his pen in poems, having published in 1797 " Moral Tales in verse, founded on real facts," which have been written at different periods of his life, and one bears the date of the year 1762. Mr. Hull has ever felt his attention stories related peculiarly engaged by
Some

eminent, was reduced to extreme poAvailing himself of this favourable crisis, in conjunction with Mr. Mattocks, he called a meeting of the c<jnpany, and, urging the necesverty.
sity of

in company, which have contained any thing of the marvellous and supernatural, and on such stories his Moral A numerous list Tales are founded. of respectable subscribers to this work, proves the high esteem in which the venerable author is held.

making some provision

for the

HUMPHRIES,

(Miss) actress,

made

sustenance of such performers as through age or misfortune might be reduced to want, he proposed that sixpence in the pound should be paid out of the weekly salaries, toward> The raising a fund for that purpose.

plan was agreed to. and also adopted at Drury Lane, where Mr. Garrick annually performed for its benefit. The only persons who dissented from this laudable undertaking were Mr. and Mrs. Yates; and their reason, as was, That they should recorded, never want its assis:ance! Mr. Hull,

though
years,

considerably
officiates

still

at

advanced in Covent Gar-

success; "To Arms; or, the British Recruit-," musical interlude, performed at Covent Garden for a benefit,

her first appearance at Drury Lane October i4, 1797, in Lady Emily, (The She was announced as a Heiress.) second Miss Farren, and, like Miss Goddard from the Margate Theatre, who appeared the same season in Letitia Hardy, (Belle's Stratagem) fell a sacrifice to the Art of Piiffing. HURLSTONE, (THOMAS) author of " Just in Time," an opera, performed for a benefit at Covent Garden, 1792, and repeated the following season for the house, with some

den, and, during the summer, occasionally performs in the country. His parts are in London confined to old men. He has altered and written several piece, viz. "The Twins; or, Comedy of Errors," altered from Shake" The Absent speare 1762; Man," " farce, 1764 ; Pharnaces," opera, altered from " Metastasio," 1765 ; " The Spanish Lady," musical enter" All in the tainment, 1765 ; Right," " The Perfarce, translation, 1766; 1767 ; " The plexities," comedy,
Fairy Favour,"

" Crotchet 1794; and Lodge,"

farce, acted at Covent Garden, 1795, He holds a situation in the Morning

Herald Office, to also belongs.

which

his

brother

author of a HURST, (ROBERT) " The Roman Maid," tragedy called

which was acted with no great success

at

Lincoln's Inn

Fields,

1725.

He

masque, 1767; "The

was in the armv. 11LRST, (Mr.) actor, belonged to Drury Lane several years ago, and was with Ryder and Daly in Dublin, and almost ailthe country managers.
J

AC KM AN,

JA

JE
I.&J.

dramatist, was the son of a clerk in the office of Lord Mayor of Dublin, and in that city lie learned and practised for some years the profession of an attorney ; but not navin.r succeeded so well as he expected, he en'ered into partnership with another attorney, on the following plan, the one partner was to reside in Dublin, and the other in London, with the intention of collecting private debts due from the one country to the other. This was a plan well calculated to accommodate the public, and it was carried into execution for a time with considerable spirit ; but Mr.Jackman made his fortune easy, by a marriage with a lady possessed of a comfortable annuity for life. She did not live long, however, and at her death the an-

JACKMAN, (ISAAC)

trade, stage.

but relinquished it for the He had a good person, and

narh voice,

some judgment, but a

and provincial accent.

His wife was

an actress at Covent Garden. In 1777 Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were with Mr. Ryder in Dublin, where he brought
out a tragedy, called " Giralda; or, the Siege of Harlick." He also wrote " Flfrid," tragedy, acted at the Hay" The British Hemarket, 1775; roine," tragedy, acted at Covent

1778, (this was probably " Sir William WalGiralda"); and lace," tragedy, acted at Edinburgh,

Garden, "
1760.

JACKSON,(WlLLIAM)composer,
is a native of Exeter, where he is sub-chanter, organist, and iufrtrmator piurorum to the cathedral church of St. Peter. He resides at the Circus, and his musical compositions have

nuity dropt.

Mr. Jackman

now com-

His first writer. piece was refused by the managers of Drury Lane, and. in consequence of the disappointment, was brought out at a performer"* benefit. Its success, however, induced that very manager, who before rejected it, to solicit the author to give it to the house as a he afterstock-piece wards produced others, but with less success. On the rupture between Mr. Bate Dudley and the proprietors of
;

menced dramatic

been so universally admired, that he is called the Harmonist of Exeter. He produced a musical entertainment, (with the music) called " Lycidas," acted at Covent Garden, 1767 ; and a comic opera, of two acts (with the

he remained

the Morning Post, he wa- made editor of that pa per, in which situation for some time. He then visited Dublin, and became editor of

The Metamorphomusic), called sis," acted at Drury Lane, 1783. Not meeting with much success as a dramatist, he applied his pen to other " works, and published Thirty Letters," of great merit; likewi-e a miscellaneous volume, called " The Four Ages," in which he has touched on a variety of subjects, poetry, painting,
music, literature, architecture, &c. in all of which he has displayed considerable genius, taste, and discern-

"

an

His dramatic works " paper. All the World's a Stage," are, farce, 1776. This was acied with an
Irish

ment.

additional scene (added by the author) in Dublin, 1784, which was a " The considerable improvement. Milesian," ballad opera, acted at

The Man farce, ditto, 178'2 ; and of Parts ; or, A Trip to London," acted at Smock Allev, Dublin, 178.1.
(Mr.) dramatist, actor, and la:e manager of the Edinburgh Theatre, was born in the county of Westmorland, and was brought up to

Drury lane, 1777;

" The Divorce." "

JACOBS, (Miss) singer, is a pupil of Mrs. Crouch, and personated one of theGraces in Iloare's opera of" Dido," 1792. She has since appeared before the public as a singer and actress

JEFFREYS, (GEORGE) author of two tragedies, " Edwin," and " Merope," both acted at the Theatre Koyal Lincoln's Inn Fields, 1724 and 17il and published by subscription
in a 4to.

JACKSON,

volume of

Miscellanies, in 1754.

JE
1754.

JE
tinued.
totally

He was the

son of Christopher

The study of war did not

engross Mr. Jephson's attenthe arts of peace, and the
Lettres
strongly occupied his

Jeffreys, Esq.

thamptonshire, and

Lord Chandos.

Nornephew to James Having been educated at Westminster school, under Dr. Busby, he was admitted of Trinity College, Cambridge, in the year 1694, where he took the degrees in arts, was elected fellow in 1701, and presided
of Weldron, in

tion ; Belles

mind.
parts,

He
well

he spoke pleasingly, his language was good, and he had a vein of satirical humour, very agreeable to all, but
those against

displayed good natural improved by education ;

in the philosophy-schools as moderator in 1706. He was also sub-orator for Dr. Ayloffe, but not going into orders within eight years, as the statutes of that college require, he quitted his fellowship in 1709. Though called to the bar he never practised the law, but often acted as secretary to Dr. Hartslonge, bishop of Derry ; at the latter end of dueen Anne's and the beginning of George the F'.rst's reign, he spent most of the remainder of his
life in

whom

it

was pointed.

These

him

recommended qualifications to the attention of Lord Town-

shend,
tain

who came

of Ireland in 1767,

to the government and who made Cap-

Jephson master of the horse, and procured him a seat in the house of commons. Indeed the captain was grateful for these favours, and constantly supported the measures of government; and strenuously defended the character of Lord Townshend,

the families of the two last dukes of Chandos, his relations. The ano" Cato" nymous verses prefixed to

when

were by this gentleman, which Addison never knew. He died August

17, 1755, aged 77. JENNENS, (CHARLES) undertook not long before his death an edition of Shakespeare, 1772-3, which did him but little credit. He was a nonconformist gentleman, of considera-

it was openly attacked in the hou?e, after he had departed. February 11, 1774, when the great debate came on respecting a bill to relax the severity of the laws against the papists, Captain Jephson took a conspicuous part, and marie a very

long and eloquent speech in their favour. His style was flowery; he stuck to solid argument, and aimed at

moving the

ble fortune, at Gopsal, in

shire,

Leicester-

passions ; quitting, on that occasion, his usual satirical turn,

and was descended from a family which was among the many who have acquired ample fortunes at Birmingham, where they were equally famous for industry and generosity. In his youth he was so remarkable for
the

number

of
his

splendour of

the his servants, equipages, and the

which had obtained him the name of the Mortal Momus. But this restraint was not frequently used ; in the debate on removing the custom-house of Dublin (March 7, 1779), and in that on a motion for sending 4000 to America, troops from Ireland
his talent for humour. Lord Townsend having left Ireland, his successor, Lord Harcourt, had not that taste for wit and humour, which distinguished his predecessor, and made Captain Jephson very agreeable to him.The captain, indeed,

he indulged

profusion of his table, that from this excess of pomp he acquired the title He is of Solyman the Magnificent. said to have composed the words for some of Handel's oratorios, and par" Messiah," an ticularly those for the easy task, as it is only a selection from Scripture verses. He died Nov. 'M,
1773.

continued

in his office,

but did not

;

JEPHSON, (ROBERT)
having entered, early

dramatist,

in life, into the

seem to have that countenance shewn him in the castle as before and on thcgeneral election, in 1776, he was not returned. However, Mr. Hugh
Massey being
lieutenant

military line, was advanced to the rank of captain in the 73d regiment of foot, on the Irish establishment, when that regiment being reduced in the year 1763. he was put on the half

made

a peer, the lord

was convinced Captain

pay

list,

on which he aftetwards con-

Jephson's talents would be useful, and he was elected in October 1776, to fill Lord Massey's vacant seat of Old Leighlin, in the county of Carlow,
a borough

JE
a borough at
the disposal of the Bishop of Leighlia and Femes. However, Captain Jephson did not distinguish himself so much in the house as formerly, but frequently gave his silent vote. Having applied his mind to dramatic writing, he produced " Braganza," tragedy, acted at Drury " The Law of LomLane, 177.) ; " The Count of bardy," ditto, 1779 ;
' Narbonne, tragedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1781 ; "The Campaign; or,
1

IL
at the English college at Douay, but soon removed to Paris. His immedr-

ate preceptor was the Rev. Dr. Howard, then president of that seminary. He has produced several admired poems, and is a frequent visitor at

Carlton House. His dramatic works " are, Margaret of Anjou," historical interlude, acted at Drury Lane, 1777 ; " The Siege of Berwick," tragedy, acted at Covent Garden, 1794 ; and " The Welch Heiress," comedy, act-

Love in the East Indies," opera, first acted at Dublin, and then at Covent Garden, 1785, without success, and afterwards reduced to an entertainLove and War," 1787; Julia; or, the Italian Lover," tragedy, acted at Drury Lane, 1787 ; and, " The

ed

at

Drury Lane, 1795.

(Mr.)
treasurer
of the

JEWELL,

ment "

of

two

acts,

under the title of "

Theatre Royal, Haymarket, which situation he has held ever since Mr. His wife was on the Foote's time. stage, and belonged to Mr. V'ootc's and the late Mr. Colman"s companies.

Conspiracy," ditto, 179(>. He altered a faice of Vaughan's, called " The Hotel; or, Double Valet," which (for the second title) he called " The Servant with two Masters," 178 i, and which was acted at Covent under the title of " Two

ILIFF,
is

(EDWARD HENRY)

actor,

the son of a clergyman, and in his to sea as a midshipman. On his return home, he

rary days went

Garden,

Strings to your

Bow,"

1791.

Of

this

piece he was said to be the author, though the real author was living; a

procured, through the interest of his father, a comfortable situation in the India House ; but an attachment for the stage seduced him from his employment, and he made his first appearance at Brighton, under the as-

which altertrs nowadays assume His tragedies, like all other dramaproductions, have had their opponents and defenders, but it must be confessed, that few >:iod:rn ones can excel them. It did not seem enough to Captain Jephson to figure as the soldier, shine as an orator, excel as a man of wit and humour, and
title
!

sumed name

tic

of Williams. Towards the conclusion of the season he quarrelled with the manager, and became Miss Palmer, necessitated for cash. who had been a favourite vocal per-

former at

and

please the greater number of critics as a dramatic writer, but \\t resolved to attempt the buskin. In this design

he met with
tunity.

an

agreeable opporthe

The Right Hun. Duke Gar-

Dublin, Edinburgh, &c. at this time belonged to the Brighton company, perceiving his distress, offered him pecuniary assistance. Pleased with her generosity, he accompanied her to Sheffield, where they were married, and afterwards to Edinburgh, where he performed several characters with some

diner,

member

for

county

of

Dublin, and keeper of the Phoenix Park, hid a great love for the stage, and had erected a most elegant theatre in the Park. The tragedy of

applause, and re-assumed his own name. His wife having been engaged at Vauxhall, he accompanied her to

" Macbeth," and the farce of " The Citi/.en," were thrice performed there
beth ably supported by our author.

London, and was recommended to the late Mr. Colman, who entertaining an opinion of his abilities, gave him an engagement in 1788,

to a most brilliant audience, in January 1778, and the character of Mac-

when he came

before a

London audi-

ence in the character of DouglasLady Randolph by Mrs. Farren, whose

JERNTNGHAM. (EDWARD)
matist,
is

dral

spectable >otfolk.

the youngest son of a refamily in the county of

Early in

life

he was placed

maiden name was Man-el. On the younger Colman's becoming manager, and disannulling the engagemerits which his father had made,

R*

Mr

IL
Mi". Iliff

IN
after-

was discharged; and

actress, wife

wards attempted novel-writing.

ILIFF, (Mrs.)
of the

of eloping from her family. She had previously packed up a few necessaries in a

handbox, and, with these,

preceding, was daughter of Mrs. Palmer, who many years officiated as housekeeper to Mrs. Crawford, then Mrs. Barry. To this lady, (who in

every respect treated her as her own child) she was indebted for her education ; she brought her forward in Prince Arthur, and other little characters, at Drury Lane; but as she

two miles across some and there waited with impatience for the stage, which conveyed her to London. At this time she was about sixteen years of age, and remarkable for the beauty of her feaHavtures, and elegance of figure.
ran about
fields,

cncreased in years, took her from the stage, and provided her with proper masters, intending her for some less Her dangerous situation in life. mind, however, being bent on the drama, she eloped from her patroness,

ing often heard her family speak of a distant relation who lived in the Strand, on her arrival in London she took a hackney coach, and sought this asylum ; but on reaching the place,

was, to her great mortification, told, that her relation had retired from business, and was settled in Wales.

and commenced

actress in a

country company in the wi.st of England. (See Iliff, Mr.) The season after her husband's appearance at the Haymarket Theatre, she was also engaged by Mr. Colman, but not meeting with that success to which she
at provincial she soon afterwards sunk into a chorus singer. She is now separated from her husband ; a difference of political sentiments having, it is said, obliterated the love which

Heralarm atthese unexpected tidings, and evident distress, (it being near
ten o'clock at night) moved the compassion of the people of the house

had been accustomed

theatres,

where she enquired, who, at her request, generously accommodated her with a lodging. This civility, however, awakened suspicion she had read in novels the various modes of seduction which were practised in London, and apprehended that she was in a dangerous house this suspicion seemed
:
:

gratitude had inspired. INCHBALD, (Mrs. ELIZABETH) and formerly actress, dramatist,

maiden name Simpson,was

ter of a
St.

reputable
family.

the daughfarmer near Bury

Edmund's,

in Suffolk,

who had
lost

numerous

Having

her

father during her infancy, she was under the care of her mother, who continued to occupy the farm, and brought up her children with all due attention. Miss Simpson unfortu-

confirmed by the entrance of an old corpulent lady, whose appearance corresponded exactly with the description she had read of a procuress. While, therefore, they were whispering their pity for her youth, and extolling her beauty, she snatched up her handbox suddenly, and without uttering a single word, rushed out of
the house, leaving the good people to stare at each other, and repent of Much fatigued their compassion. and alarmed, she knocked at a house

nately had an impediment in her speech, which prevented her from being much in company, being scarcely intelligible to any who were not well acquainted with her. During her many solitary hours, she applied herself to books ; and. anxious to become acquainted with the customs

where "