1.
Ellen Terry
–
Dame Alice Ellen Terry, GBE, known professionally as Ellen Terry, was an English actress who became the leading Shakespearean actress in Britain. Born into a family of actors, Terry began performing as a child, acting in Shakespeare plays in London, at 16 she married the 46-year-old artist George Frederic Watts, but they separated within a year. She soon returned to the stage but began a relationship with the architect Edward William Godwin and she resumed acting in 1874 and was immediately acclaimed for her portrayal of roles in Shakespeare and other classics. In 1878 she joined Henry Irvings company as his leading lady, two of her most famous roles were Portia in The Merchant of Venice and Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. She and Irving also toured with success in America and Britain. In 1903 Terry took over management of Londons Imperial Theatre, focusing on the plays of George Bernard Shaw, the venture was a financial failure, and Terry turned to touring and lecturing. She continued to find success on stage until 1920, while appearing in films from 1916 to 1922. Her career lasted nearly seven decades, Terry was born in Coventry, England, the third surviving child born into a theatrical family. Her parents, Benjamin, of Irish descent, and Sarah, of Scottish ancestry, were actors in a Portsmouth-based touring company. At least five of them actors, Kate, Ellen, Marion, Florence. Two other children, George and Charles, were connected with theatre management, Kate and Marion were particularly successful on stage. Terry made her first stage appearance at age nine, as Mamillius, opposite Charles Kean as Leontes, in Shakespeares The Winters Tale at Londons Princesss Theatre in 1856. She also played the roles of Puck in A Midsummer Nights Dream, Prince Arthur in King John, during the theatres summer closures, Terrys father presented drawing-room entertainments at the Royal Colosseum, Regents Park, London, and then on tour. In 1859, she appeared in the Tom Taylor comedy Nine Points of the Law at the Olympic Theatre, for the next two years, Terry and her sister Kate toured the British provinces in sketches and plays, accompanied by their parents and a musician. Between 1861 and 1862, Terry was engaged by the Royalty Theatre in London, managed by Madame Albina de Rhona, in 1862, she joined her sister Kate in J. H. In 1863, Chute opened the Theatre Royal, Bath, where 15-year-old Terry appeared at the opening as Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream, buckstones company at the Haymarket Theatre in Shakespearean roles as well as Sheridan and modern comedies. Terry married three times and was involved in numerous relationships, in London, during her engagement at the Haymarket Theatre, she and her sister Kate had their portraits painted by the eminent artist George Frederic Watts. His other famous portraits of her include Ophelia and Watchman, and, with Kate and he proposed marriage to Terry in spite of his being three decades her senior
Ellen Terry
–
Ellen Terry at age 16 Photo by
Julia Margaret Cameron
Ellen Terry
–
Charles Kean (left) and Ellen Terry in
The Winter's Tale, 1856
Ellen Terry
–
Choosing: painting by first husband,
George Frederic Watts, c. 1864
Ellen Terry
–
Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth, by
John Singer Sargent, 1889
2.
John Gielgud
–
Sir Arthur John Gielgud OM CH was an English actor and theatre director whose career spanned eight decades. With Ralph Richardson and Laurence Olivier, he was one of the trio of actors who dominated the British stage for much of the 20th century. A member of the Terry family theatrical dynasty, he gained his first paid acting work as a member of his cousin Phyllis Neilson-Terrys company in 1922. After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art he worked in repertory theatre, during the 1930s Gielgud was a stage star in the West End and on Broadway, appearing in new works and classics. He began a career as a director, and set up his own company at the Queens Theatre. He was regarded by many as the finest Hamlet of his era, in the 1950s Gielgud feared that his career was threatened when he was convicted and fined for a homosexual offence, but his colleagues and the public supported him loyally. From the late 1960s he found new plays that suited him, by authors including Alan Bennett, David Storey, during the first half of his career, Gielgud did not take the cinema seriously. Though he made his first film in 1924, and had successes with The Good Companions and Julius Caesar, Gielgud appeared in more than sixty films between Becket, for which he received his first Academy Award nomination, and Elizabeth. As the acid-tongued Hobson in Arthur he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and his film work further earned him a Golden Globe Award and two BAFTAs. Although largely indifferent to awards, Gielgud had the distinction of winning an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy. He was famous from the start of his career for his voice and he broadcast more than a hundred radio and television dramas, between 1929 and 1994, and made commercial recordings of many plays, including ten of Shakespeares. Among his honours, he was knighted in 1953 and the Gielgud Theatre was named after him, from 1977 to 1989, he was president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Gielgud was born in South Kensington, London, the third of the four children and youngest of three sons of Frank Henry Gielgud and his second wife, Kate Terry-Gielgud, née Terry-Lewis. The two elder boys were Lewis, who became an official of the Red Cross and UNESCO. On his fathers side, Gielgud was of Lithuanian and Polish descent, the surname derives from Gelgaudiškis, a village in Lithuania. The Counts Gielgud had owned the Gielgudziszki Castle on the River Niemen, jan Gielgud took refuge in England with his family, one of his grandchildren was Frank Gielgud, whose maternal grandmother was a famous Polish actress, Aniela Aszpergerowa. Frank married into a family with wide theatrical connections, Frank had no theatrical ambitions and worked all his life as a stockbroker in the City of London. In 1912, aged eight, Gielgud went to Hillside preparatory school in Surrey as his brothers had done
John Gielgud
–
Gielgud as Benedick in
Much Ado About Nothing, 1959
John Gielgud
–
Centre:
Marion,
Kate and
Ellen Terry and, far right,
Fred Terry at Ellen's
Silver Jubilee matinée,
Drury Lane, 12 June 1906. Everyone shown was a member of the Terry family.
John Gielgud
–
Noël Coward with
Lilian Braithwaite, his, and later Gielgud's, co-star in
The Vortex
John Gielgud
–
Mrs Patrick Campbell and
Edith Evans, 1920s co-stars with Gielgud
3.
England
–
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west, the Irish Sea lies northwest of England and the Celtic Sea lies to the southwest. England is separated from continental Europe by the North Sea to the east, the country covers five-eighths of the island of Great Britain in its centre and south, and includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly, and the Isle of Wight. England became a state in the 10th century, and since the Age of Discovery. The Industrial Revolution began in 18th-century England, transforming its society into the worlds first industrialised nation, Englands terrain mostly comprises low hills and plains, especially in central and southern England. However, there are uplands in the north and in the southwest, the capital is London, which is the largest metropolitan area in both the United Kingdom and the European Union. In 1801, Great Britain was united with the Kingdom of Ireland through another Act of Union to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. In 1922 the Irish Free State seceded from the United Kingdom, leading to the latter being renamed the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the name England is derived from the Old English name Englaland, which means land of the Angles. The Angles were one of the Germanic tribes that settled in Great Britain during the Early Middle Ages, the Angles came from the Angeln peninsula in the Bay of Kiel area of the Baltic Sea. The earliest recorded use of the term, as Engla londe, is in the ninth century translation into Old English of Bedes Ecclesiastical History of the English People. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, its spelling was first used in 1538. The earliest attested reference to the Angles occurs in the 1st-century work by Tacitus, Germania, the etymology of the tribal name itself is disputed by scholars, it has been suggested that it derives from the shape of the Angeln peninsula, an angular shape. An alternative name for England is Albion, the name Albion originally referred to the entire island of Great Britain. The nominally earliest record of the name appears in the Aristotelian Corpus, specifically the 4th century BC De Mundo, in it are two very large islands called Britannia, these are Albion and Ierne. But modern scholarly consensus ascribes De Mundo not to Aristotle but to Pseudo-Aristotle, the word Albion or insula Albionum has two possible origins. Albion is now applied to England in a poetic capacity. Another romantic name for England is Loegria, related to the Welsh word for England, Lloegr, the earliest known evidence of human presence in the area now known as England was that of Homo antecessor, dating to approximately 780,000 years ago. The oldest proto-human bones discovered in England date from 500,000 years ago, Modern humans are known to have inhabited the area during the Upper Paleolithic period, though permanent settlements were only established within the last 6,000 years
England
–
Stonehenge, a
Neolithic monument
England
–
Flag
England
–
Boudica led an uprising against the
Roman Empire
England
–
Replica of a 7th-century ceremonial
helmet from the
Kingdom of East Anglia, found at
Sutton Hoo
4.
Fred Terry
–
Fred Terry was an English actor and theatrical manager. After establishing his reputation in London and in the provinces for a decade, he joined the company of Herbert Beerbohm Tree where he remained for four years, meeting his future wife, Julia Neilson. With Neilson, he played in London and on tour for 27 further years, becoming famous in sword and cape roles, Terry was born in London into a theatrical family. His parents, Benjamin of Irish descent, and Sarah, of Scottish ancestry, were actors in a touring company based in Portsmouth and had eleven children of which Fred was the youngest son. At least five of these actors, Kate, Ellen, Marion, Florence. Two other children, George and Charles, were connected with theatre management, Terrys sister Kate was a very successful actress until her marriage and retirement from the stage in 1867, and his sister Ellen became the greatest Shakespearean actress of her time. His great nephew, John Gielgud, became one of the centurys most respected actors. Terry was educated in London, France and Switzerland, during his career, Terry toured extensively, playing in all the principal cities of the United Kingdom and North America. His first stage appearance was at the Haymarket Theatre in 1880 at the age of 16, in a revival of Bulwer-Lyttons Money, with the Bancrofts. After appearances on tour, he was engaged at the Lyceum Theatre in 1884 in Henry Irvings production of Twelfth Night, in her memoirs, his sister Ellen wrote, I dont think that I have ever seen any success so unmistakable and instantaneous. He then returned to touring, in Britain and the U. S, back in London by the summer of 1887, he had a success at the Avenue Theatre, as Dr William Brown in Dr Bill, by Hamilton Aidé, in 1890. He joined the company of Herbert Beerbohm Tree at the Haymarket Theatre and his roles there included DAulnay in W. S. Gilberts Comedy and Tragedy and John Christison in Henry Arthur Joness The Dancing Girl. In the cast of this last, he met Julia Neilson, daughter of Alexander Ritchie Neilson, for Tree, he also played Laertes in Hamlet and appeared in Sydney Grundys translation of the French play A Village Priest, Beau Austin and Peril. Terry and Neilsons daughter Phyllis was born in 1892, in 1894, Terry and Neilson appeared together in Shall We Forgive Her. by Frank Harvey at the Adelphi Theatre. Their second child, Dennis, was born in October 1895, two months later, the family travelled to America to perform with John Hares company. There they played together in New York in The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith by Arthur Wing Pinero, in 1896, they returned to England, where he played at the Lyceum as Charles Surface in a revival of Sheridans The School for Scandal with Johnston Forbes-Robertson. Next, they appeared in The Gipsy Earl and he was Squire Thornhill in William Gorman Willss Olivia at the Lyceum in 1900. They then toured in As You Like It, in 1900, with his wife, he assumed the management of the Haymarket Theatre
Fred Terry
–
A ca. 1920 portrait of Terry by
R. G. Eves.
Fred Terry
–
In
The Scarlet Pimpernel, 1905
Fred Terry
–
Julia Neilson and Terry in Henry of Navarre, 1909
5.
Marion Terry
–
Marion Bessie Terry was an English actress. In a career spanning half a century, she played leading roles in more than 125 plays. Always in the shadow of her older and more famous sister Ellen, Terry nevertheless achieved considerable success in the plays of W. S. Gilbert, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, Terry was born in England, into a theatrical family. Her birth name was Mary Ann Bessy Terry, and she was nicknamed Polly and her parents, Benjamin, of Irish descent, and Sarah, of Scottish ancestry, were comic actors in a touring company based in Portsmouth and had eleven children. At least five of these actors, Kate, Ellen, Marion, Florence. Two other children, George and Charles, were connected with theatre management, Terrys sister Kate was a very successful actress until her marriage and retirement from the stage in 1867, and her sister Ellen became the greatest Shakespearean actress of her time. Her great nephew, Sir John Gielgud, became one of the centurys most respected actors. Terry attended a boarding-school for girls at Sunnyside, Kingston upon Thames, together with her favourite sister, Terrys first professional stage appearance was in July 1873 as Ophelia in a production of Hamlet directed by Tom Taylor in Manchester. Her first West End appearance came in October 1873 as Isabelle in a farce by John Maddison Morton, A Game of Romps at the Olympic Theatre and this was followed by the role of Lady Valeria in Mortons All that Glitters Is Not Gold at the same theatre. In 1874, she was Hero in Shakespeares Much Ado about Nothing at the Olympic and she then played a season at the Strand Theatre, and in 1875 appeared in Weak Woman by H. J. Byron. Terry next joined the company at the Haymarket Theatre and became a protege of W. S, in 1879 she also appeared as Mabel in Duty by James Albert and the title role in Gretchen by Gilbert. Now an established actress, Terry continued to play leading roles in contemporary plays and she was Bathsheba in the stage adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy and J. Comyns Carr. The same year, she starred with Lottie Venne and Johnston Forbes-Robertson in G. W. Godfreys comedy The Parvenu at the Court Theatre and she substituted for her sister Ellen, who was ill, as Viola in Twelfth Night at the Lyceum Theatre in 1884. In 1885 she played in The Magistrate by Arthur Wing Pinero, in 1887, she joined the company of Herbert Beerbohm Tree first at the Comedy Theatre and then at the Haymarket. That year, she appeared in The Ballad-Monger, by Walter Bessant. In February 1888, she starred in a revival of Gilberts Broken Hearts, later that year, she toured the British provinces with Henry Irving in another of her sister Ellens roles, Margaret in Faust. She played Mrs. Erroll in The Real Little Lord Fauntleroy, calmour, and appeared in 1891 in Sunlight and Shadow by R. C. She continued to tour with Irvings Lyceum company in the 1890s, as Rosamund in Alfred Lord Tennysons Becket, as Portia in The Merchant of Venice, and again as Margaret
Marion Terry
–
Marion Terry
Marion Terry
–
Terry and
W. S. Gilbert in
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Marion Terry
6.
Bristol
–
Bristol is a city and county in South West England with a population of 449,300 in 2016. The district has the 10th largest population in England, while the Bristol metropolitan area is the 12th largest in the United Kingdom, the city borders North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, with the cities of Bath and Gloucester to the south-east and north-east, respectively. Iron Age hill forts and Roman villas were built near the confluence of the rivers Frome and Avon, Bristol received a royal charter in 1155 and was historically divided between Gloucestershire and Somerset until 1373, when it became a county of itself. From the 13th to the 18th century, Bristol was among the top three English cities after London in tax receipts, Bristol was surpassed by the rapid rise of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham in the Industrial Revolution. Bristol was a place for early voyages of exploration to the New World. On a ship out of Bristol in 1497 John Cabot, a Venetian, in 1499 William Weston, a Bristol merchant, was the first Englishman to lead an exploration to North America. At the height of the Bristol slave trade, from 1700 to 1807, the Port of Bristol has since moved from Bristol Harbour in the city centre to the Severn Estuary at Avonmouth and Royal Portbury Dock. Bristols modern economy is built on the media, electronics and aerospace industries. The city has the largest circulating community currency in the U. K. - the Bristol pound, which is pegged to the Pound sterling. It is connected to London and other major UK cities by road, rail, sea and air by the M5 and M4, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway mainline rail stations, and Bristol Airport. The Sunday Times named it as the best city in Britain in which to live in 2014 and 2017, the most ancient recorded name for Bristol is the archaic Welsh Caer Odor, which is consistent with modern understanding that early Bristol developed between the River Frome and Avon Gorge. It is most commonly stated that the Saxon name Bricstow was a calque of the existing Celtic name, with Bric a literal translation of Odor. Alternative etymologies are supported with the numerous variations in Medieval documents with Samuel Seyer enumerating 47 alternative forms. The Old English form Brycgstow is commonly used to derive the meaning place at the bridge, utilizing another form, Brastuile, Rev. Dr. Shaw derived the name from the Celtic words bras, or braos and tuile. The poet Thomas Chatterton popularised a derivation from Brictricstow linking the town to Brictric and it appears that the form Bricstow prevailed until 1204, and the Bristolian L is what eventually changed the name to Bristol. Iron Age hill forts near the city are at Leigh Woods and Clifton Down, on the side of the Avon Gorge, a Roman settlement, Abona, existed at what is now Sea Mills, another was at the present-day Inns Court. Isolated Roman villas and small forts and settlements were scattered throughout the area. Bristol was founded by 1000, by about 1020, it was a centre with a mint producing silver pennies bearing its name
Bristol
–
Bristol
Bristol
Bristol
–
Black and white etching showing the towers of
St Stephen's Church,
St Augustine the Less Church and
Bristol Cathedral, published c.1850
Bristol
–
West front of Bristol Cathedral
7.
Charles Kean
–
Charles John Kean, was born at Waterford, Ireland, the son of the actor Edmund Kean. After preparatory education at Worplesdon and at Greenford, near Harrow, he was sent to Eton College, where he remained three years. In 1827, he was offered a cadetship in the East India Companys service, the elder Kean refused to do this, and his son determined to become an actor. At Glasgow, on 1 October in that year, father and son acted together in Arnold Paynes Brutus, in January 1838, however, he returned to Drury Lane, and played Hamlet with a success which gave him a place among the principal tragedians of his time. He was married to the actress Ellen Tree on 25 January 1842, returning to England, he entered on a successful engagement at the Haymarket Theatre, and in 1850, with Robert Keeley, became lessee of the Princesss Theatre, London. The most noteworthy feature of his management was a series of gorgeous Shakespearean revivals that aimed for authenticity, Kean also mentored the young Ellen Terry in juvenile roles. In 1854 the writer Charles Reade created a play The Courier of Lyons for Kean to appear in, from his tour round the world Kean returned in 1866 in broken health, and died in London on 22 January 1868 at the age of 57. He is buried at Horndean, Hampshire, the Life and Theatrical Times of Charles Kean, by John William Cole
Charles Kean
–
Charles Kean as
Hamlet (1838).
Charles Kean
–
Charles Kean and his wife as
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, in costumes that aimed to be historically accurate (1858).
8.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
–
The Merry Wives of Windsor is a comedy by William Shakespeare, first published in 1602, though believed to have been written prior to 1597. It features the character Sir John Falstaff, the fat knight who had previously featured in Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. It has been adapted for the opera on several occasions, the play is one of Shakespeares lesser-regarded works among literary critics. In all other respects, the play implies a contemporary setting of the Elizabethan era, Falstaff arrives in Windsor very short on money. He decides, to financial advantage, that he will court two wealthy married women, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page. Falstaff decides to send the women identical love letters and asks his servants – Pistol, when they refuse, Falstaff sacks them, and, in revenge, the men tell Ford and Page of Falstaffs intentions. Page is not concerned, but the jealous Ford persuades the Host of the Garter Inn to introduce him to Falstaff as a Master Brook so that he can find out Falstaffs plans, meanwhile, three different men are trying to win the hand of Pages daughter, Anne Page. Mistress Page would like her daughter to marry Doctor Caius, a French physician, Anne herself is in love with Master Fenton, but Page had previously rejected Fenton as a suitor due to his having squandered his considerable fortune on high-class living. Hugh Evans, a Welsh parson, tries to enlist the help of Mistress Quickly in wooing Anne for Slender, the Host of the Garter Inn prevents this duel by telling both men a different meeting place, causing much amusement for himself, Justice Shallow, Page and others. Evans and Caius decide to work together to be revenged on the Host, when the women receive the letters, each goes to tell the other, and they quickly find that the letters are almost identical. This all results in embarrassment for Falstaff. Mr. Ford poses as Mr. Brook and says he is in love with Mistress Ford and he offers to pay Falstaff to court her, saying that once she has lost her honour he will be able to tempt her himself. Falstaff cannot believe his luck, and tells Brook he has arranged to meet Mistress Ford while her husband is out. Falstaff leaves to keep his appointment and Ford soliloquises that he is right to suspect his wife, when Falstaff arrives to meet Mistress Ford, the merry wives trick him into hiding in a laundry basket full of filthy, smelly clothes awaiting laundering. When the jealous Ford returns to try and catch his wife with the knight, the wives have the basket taken away, although this affects Falstaffs pride, his ego is surprisingly resilient. He is convinced that the wives are just playing hard to get him, so he continues his pursuit of sexual advancement, with its attendant capital. Again Falstaff goes to meet the women but Mistress Page comes back and they try to think of ways to hide him other than the laundry basket which he refuses to get into again. They trick him again, this time into disguising himself as Mistress Fords maids obese aunt, Ford tries once again to catch his wife with the knight but ends up beating the old woman, whom he despises, and throwing her out of his house
The Merry Wives of Windsor
–
The title page of the 1619 quarto (the
False Folio): A most pleasant and excellent conceited comedy, of Sir John Falstaffe, and the merry wiues of Windsor.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
–
A watercolor of Act III, Scene iii: Falstaff wooing Mistress Ford.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
–
Henry Fuseli: "Falstaff in the Washbasket", 1792
The Merry Wives of Windsor
–
The title page from a 1565 printing of Giovanni Fiorentino's 14th century tale, Il Pecorino.
9.
The Life and Death of King John
–
King John, a history play by William Shakespeare, dramatises the reign of John, King of England, son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine and father of Henry III of England. It is believed to have written in the mid-1590s but was not published until it appeared in the First Folio in 1623. John adjudicates an inheritance dispute between Robert Faulconbridge and his older brother Philip the Bastard, during which it becomes apparent that Philip is the son of King Richard I. Queen Eleanor, mother to both Richard and John, recognises the family resemblance and suggests that he renounce his claim to the Falconbridge land in exchange for a knighthood, John knights the Bastard under the name Richard. In France, King Philip and his forces besiege the English-ruled town of Angiers, Philip is supported by Austria, who is believed to have killed King Richard. The English contingent arrives, Eleanor trades insults with Constance, Arthurs mother, Kings Philip and John stake their claims in front of Angiers citizens, but to no avail, their representative says that they will support the rightful king, whoever that turns out to be. The French and English armies clash, but no clear victor emerges, each army dispatches a herald claiming victory, but Angiers citizens continue to refuse to recognize either claimant because neither army has proven victorious. Though a furious Constance accuses Philip of abandoning Arthur, Louis, cardinal Pandolf arrives from Rome bearing a formal accusation that John has disobeyed the pope and appointed an archbishop contrary to his desires. John refuses to recant, whereupon he is excommunicated, Pandolf pledges his support for Louis, though Philip is hesitant, having just established family ties with John. Pandolf brings him round by pointing out that his links to the church are older and firmer, war breaks out, Austria is beheaded by the Bastard in revenge for his fathers death, and both Angiers and Arthur are captured by the English. Eleanor is left in charge of English possessions in France, while the Bastard is sent to collect funds from English monasteries, John orders Hubert to kill Arthur. Pandolf suggests to Louis that he now has as strong a claim to the English throne as Arthur, Hubert finds himself unable to kill Arthur. John agrees, but is wrong-footed by Huberts announcement that Arthur is dead, the nobles, believing he was murdered, defect to Louis side. The Bastard reports that the monasteries are unhappy about Johns attempt to seize their gold, Hubert has a furious argument with John, during which he reveals that Arthur is still alive. John, delighted, sends him to report the news to the nobles, Arthur dies jumping from a castle wall. The nobles believe he was murdered by John, and refuse to believe Huberts entreaties, John attempts to make a deal with Pandolf, swearing allegiance to the Pope in exchange for Pandolfs negotiating with the French on his behalf. John orders the Bastard, one of his few remaining loyal subjects, while Johns former noblemen swear allegiance to Louis, Pandolf explains Johns scheme, but Louis refuses to be taken in by it. The Bastard arrives with the English army and threatens Louis, war breaks out with substantial losses on each side, including Louis reinforcements, who are drowned during the sea crossing
The Life and Death of King John
–
The death of King John, in an 1865 production of the play at the
Drury Lane Theatre, London
The Life and Death of King John
–
A 19th century drawing by Thomas Nast
The Life and Death of King John
–
The first page of King John from the
First Folio of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623
The Life and Death of King John
–
A photograph of
Robert B. Mantell as King John
10.
Queen Victoria
–
Victoria was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she adopted the title of Empress of India. Victoria was the daughter of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, both the Duke of Kent and King George III died in 1820, and Victoria was raised under close supervision by her German-born mother Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld. She inherited the throne aged 18, after her fathers three brothers had all died, leaving no surviving legitimate children. The United Kingdom was already a constitutional monarchy, in which the sovereign held relatively little direct political power. Privately, Victoria attempted to influence government policy and ministerial appointments, publicly, Victoria married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, in 1840. Their nine children married into royal and noble families across the continent, tying them together, after Alberts death in 1861, Victoria plunged into deep mourning and avoided public appearances. As a result of her seclusion, republicanism temporarily gained strength and her Golden and Diamond Jubilees were times of public celebration. Her reign of 63 years and seven months is known as the Victorian era and it was a period of industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change within the United Kingdom, and was marked by a great expansion of the British Empire. She was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover and her son and successor, Edward VII, belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the line of his father. Victorias father was Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, until 1817, Edwards niece, Princess Charlotte of Wales, was the only legitimate grandchild of George III. Her death in 1817 precipitated a crisis that brought pressure on the Duke of Kent. In 1818 he married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, a widowed German princess with two children—Carl and Feodora —by her first marriage to the Prince of Leiningen and her brother Leopold was Princess Charlottes widower. The Duke and Duchess of Kents only child, Victoria, was born at 4.15 a. m. on 24 May 1819 at Kensington Palace in London. Victoria was christened privately by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles Manners-Sutton, on 24 June 1819 in the Cupola Room at Kensington Palace and she was baptised Alexandrina, after one of her godparents, Emperor Alexander I of Russia, and Victoria, after her mother. Additional names proposed by her parents—Georgina, Charlotte, and Augusta—were dropped on the instructions of the Dukes eldest brother, George, the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of Kent married on the same day in 1818, but both of Clarences daughters died as infants. Victorias father died in January 1820, when Victoria was less than a year old, a week later her grandfather died and was succeeded by his eldest son, George IV. The Duke of York died in 1827, when George IV died in 1830, he was succeeded by his next surviving brother, William IV, and Victoria became heir presumptive
Queen Victoria
–
Victoria wearing her
small diamond crown Photograph by
Alexander Bassano, 1882
Queen Victoria
–
Victoria, aged four Painting by
Stephen Poyntz Denning, 1823
Queen Victoria
–
Victoria with her spaniel Dash, 1833 Painting by
George Hayter
Queen Victoria
–
Self-portrait, 1835
11.
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay
–
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay, PC was a British historian and Whig politician. He wrote extensively as an essayist and reviewer, his books on British history have been hailed as literary masterpieces, Macaulay held political office as the Secretary at War between 1839 and 1841, and the Paymaster-General between 1846 and 1848. He played a role in introducing English and western concepts to education in India. He supported the replacement of Persian by English as the language, the use of English as the medium of instruction in all schools. In his view, Macaulay divided the world into civilised nations and barbarism and he was wedded to the Idea of Progress, especially in terms of the liberal freedoms. He opposed radicalism while idealising historic British culture and traditions, Macaulay was the son of Zachary Macaulay, a Scottish Highlander, who became a colonial governor and abolitionist, and Selina Mills of Bristol, a former pupil of Hannah More. They named their first child after his uncle Thomas Babington, a Leicestershire landowner and politician, Thomas Macaulay was born in Leicestershire, England, where he was noted as a child prodigy. As a toddler, gazing out of the window from his cot at the chimneys of a local factory and he was educated at a private school in Hertfordshire and at Trinity College, Cambridge. Whilst at Cambridge he wrote poetry and won several prizes. In 1825 he published a prominent essay on Milton in the Edinburgh Review and he studied law and in 1826 he was called to the bar but showed more interest in a political than a legal career. Macaulay, who never married and had no children, was rumoured to have fallen in love with Maria Kinnaird. But in fact, Macaulays strongest emotional ties were to his youngest sisters, Margaret who died while he was in India, as Hannah grew older, he formed the same close attachment to Hannahs daughter Margaret, whom he called Baba. Macaulay retained a passionate interest in literature throughout his life. He likely had an eidetic memory, while in India, he read every ancient Greek and Roman work that was available to him. In his letters, he describes reading the Aeneid whilst on vacation in Malvern in 1851 and he also taught himself German, Dutch, and Spanish, and remained fluent in French. In 1830 the Marquess of Lansdowne invited Macaulay to become Member of Parliament for the borough of Calne. His maiden speech was in favour of abolishing the civil disabilities of the Jews in the UK, Macaulay made his name with a series of speeches in favour of parliamentary reform. After the Great Reform Act of 1832 was passed, he became MP for Leeds, in the Reform, Calnes representation was reduced from two to one, Leeds had never been represented before, but now had two members
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay
–
The Right Honourable The Lord Macaulay
PC
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay
–
Macaulay by John Partridge.
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay
–
Macaulay by Sir Francis Grant.
Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay
–
The Funeral of Thomas Babington Macaulay, by Sir George Scharf.
12.
Lewis Carroll
–
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was an English writer, mathematician, logician, Anglican deacon, and photographer. He is noted for his facility at word play, logic, There are societies in many parts of the world dedicated to the enjoyment and promotion of his works and the investigation of his life. Dodgsons family was predominantly northern English, with Irish connections, conservative, most of Dodgsons male ancestors were army officers or Church of England clergy. His great-grandfather, also named Charles Dodgson, had risen through the ranks of the church to become the Bishop of Elphin. His paternal grandfather, another Charles, had been an army captain, the older of these sons – yet another Charles Dodgson – was Carrolls father. He went to Westminster School and then to Christ Church, Oxford and he reverted to the other family tradition and took holy orders. He was mathematically gifted and won a double first degree, which could have been the prelude to a brilliant academic career, instead, he married his first cousin Frances Jane Lutwidge in 1830 and became a country parson. Dodgson was born in the parsonage at Daresbury in Cheshire near the towns of Warrington and Runcorn. When Charles was 11, his father was given the living of Croft-on-Tees in North Yorkshire, and this remained their home for the next 25 years. He was High Church, inclining to Anglo-Catholicism, an admirer of John Henry Newman and the Tractarian movement, Young Charles was to develop an ambiguous relationship with his fathers values and with the Church of England as a whole. During his early youth, Dodgson was educated at home and his reading lists preserved in the family archives testify to a precocious intellect, at the age of seven, he was reading books such as The Pilgrims Progress. He also suffered from a stammer – a condition shared by most of his siblings – that often influenced his life throughout his years. At the age of twelve, he was sent to Richmond Grammar School at nearby Richmond, in 1846, Dodgson entered Rugby School where he was evidently unhappy, as he wrote some years after leaving, I cannot say. That any earthly considerations would induce me to go through my three years again, I can honestly say that if I could have been. Secure from annoyance at night, the hardships of the daily life would have been comparative trifles to bear, scholastically, though, he excelled with apparent ease. I have not had a promising boy at his age since I came to Rugby. He left Rugby at the end of 1849 and matriculated at Oxford in May 1850 as a member of his fathers old college, after waiting for rooms in college to become available, he went into residence in January 1851. He had been at Oxford only two days when he received a summons home and his mother had died of inflammation of the brain – perhaps meningitis or a stroke – at the age of 47
Lewis Carroll
–
Lewis Carroll, 1855
Lewis Carroll
–
Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll
–
Lewis Carroll self-portrait c. 1856
Lewis Carroll
–
Lewis Carroll (1863). Photograph by
Oscar G. Rejlander.
13.
The Tempest
–
The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. It is set on an island, where the sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio, there, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonios lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonsos son, Ferdinand. In addition, one of Gonzalos speeches is derived from Montaignes essay Of the Canibales, the masque in Act 4 may have been a later addition, possibly in honour of the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Frederick V in 1613. The play was first published in the First Folio of 1623, the story draws heavily on the tradition of the romance, and it was influenced by tragicomedy, the courtly masque and perhaps the commedia dellarte. It differs from Shakespeares other plays in its observation of a stricter, H. Gonzalo, Alonsos counselor, had secretly supplied their boat with some food, fresh water, rich garments, linens, stuffs and necessaries, and volumes that Prospero prizes. Prospero maintains Ariels loyalty by promising to release the airy spirit from servitude. Sycorax had been exiled from Algiers to the island for wreaking havoc with her magic, Sycorax son, Caliban, a deformed monster and the only non-spiritual inhabitant before the arrival of Prospero, was initially adopted and raised by him. He taught Prospero how to survive on the island, while Prospero and Miranda taught Caliban religion, in slavery, Caliban has come to view Prospero as a usurper and has grown to resent him and his daughter. Prospero and Miranda in turn view Caliban with disappointment, contempt, Prospero only performs one act of magic himself directly on stage, he disarms Ferdinand, causing his nerves to become in their infancy again. The rest of his magic is through controlling spirits, which is how magicians of the time were believed to operate, Prospero, having divined that his brother Antonio is on a nearby ship, has raised a tempest that causes the passengers to believe they are shipwrecked and marooned. Also on the ship are Antonios friend and fellow conspirator, King Alonso of Naples, Alonsos brother and son and Alonsos trusted counselor, all these passengers are returning from the wedding of Alonsos daughter Claribel and the King of Tunis. Prospero contrives to separate the shipwreck survivors into several groups by his spells, three plots then alternate through the play. In one, Caliban falls in with Stephano and Trinculo, two drunkards, believing Stephano to be a god who bears celestial liquor. They attempt to raise a coup against Prospero, which ultimately fails, in the third subplot, Antonio and Sebastian conspire to kill Alonso and Gonzalo so that Sebastian can become King. Ariel thwarts them, at Prosperos command, Ariel appears to the three men of sin as a harpy, reprimanding them for their betrayal of Prospero. Prospero, who has witnessed this, leaves to visit Ferdinand, the three guilty nobles run off, distracted and in a frenzy, and Gonzalo and the attendant lords chase after to prevent them from doing what this ecstasy may now provoke them to. Prospero then explains that he tested Ferdinand, and betroths a willing Miranda to him and he then asks Ariel to bring some other spirits and create a masque to entertain the young couple
The Tempest
–
The shipwreck in Act I, Scene 1, in a 1797 engraving by
Benjamin Smith after a painting by
George Romney
The Tempest
–
Prospero and Miranda from a painting by
William Maw Egley; ca. 1850
The Tempest
–
Miranda by
John William Waterhouse
The Tempest
–
A depiction from
Nicholas Rowe's 1709 edition of Shakespeare's plays of the stage direction of the opening of the 1674 adaptation
14.
King Lear
–
King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The Tragedy of King Lear, a more theatrical revision, was included in the 1623 First Folio, Modern editors usually conflate the two, though some insist that each version has its own individual integrity that should be preserved. The tragedy is particularly noted for its probing observations on the nature of human suffering, george Bernard Shaw wrote, No man will ever write a better tragedy than Lear. The eldest, Goneril, speaks first, declaring her love for her father in fulsome terms, moved by her flattery Lear proceeds to grant to Goneril her share as soon as she has finished her declaration, before Regan and Cordelia have a chance to speak. He then awards to Regan her share as soon as she has spoken, in his anger he disinherits Cordelia and divides her share between Regan and Goneril. Kent objects to Lears unfair treatment of Cordelia, enraged by Kents protests, Lear then summons the Duke of Burgundy and the King of France, who have both proposed marriage to Cordelia. Learning that Cordelia has been disinherited, the Duke of Burgundy withdraws his suit, the King of France is shocked by Lears decision because up until this time Lear has only praised and favored Cordelia. Meanwhile, Gloucester has introduced his illegitimate son Edmund to Kent, Lear announces he will live alternately with Goneril and Regan, and their husbands. He reserves to himself a retinue of one hundred knights, to be supported by his daughters, Goneril and Regan speak privately, revealing that their declarations of love were fake, and that they view Lear as a foolish old man. Edmund resents his illegitimate status, and plots to dispose of his older brother Edgar. He tricks their father Gloucester with a letter, making him think Edgar plans to usurp the estate. Kent returns from exile in disguise under the name of Caius, Lear and Caius quarrel with Oswald, Gonerils steward. Lear discovers that now that Goneril has power, she no longer respects him and she orders him to behave better and reduces his retinue. Enraged, Lear departs for Regans home, Edmund learns from Curan, a courtier, that there is likely to be war between Albany and Cornwall, and that Regan and Cornwall are to arrive at Gloucesters house that evening. Taking advantage of the arrival of the duke and Regan, Edmund fakes an attack by Edgar and he disinherits Edgar and proclaims him an outlaw. Bearing Lears message to Regan, Caius meets Oswald again at Gloucesters home, quarrels with him again, when Lear arrives, he objects to the mistreatment of his messenger, but Regan is as dismissive of her father as Goneril was. Goneril arrives and supports Regans argument against him, Lear yields completely to his rage. He rushes out into a storm to rant against his ungrateful daughters, Kent later follows to protect him
King Lear
–
"King Lear and the Fool in the Storm" by
William Dyce (1806–1864)
King Lear
–
Cordelia in the Court of King Lear (1873) by
Sir John Gilbert
King Lear
–
A watercolour of King Lear and the Fool in the storm from Act III, Scene ii of King Lear
King Lear
–
King Lear: Cordelia's Farewell by
Edwin Austin Abbey
15.
German Reed Entertainment
–
The German Reed Entertainments were founded in 1855 and operated by Thomas German Reed together with his wife, Priscilla German Reed. The entertainments were held at the intimate Royal Gallery of Illustration, Lower Regent Street, Thomas and Priscilla German Reed usually appeared in them, together with a small group of players. They engaged talented newcomers, such as Frederic Clay, W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Law, Burnand, to create many of the entertainments. Thomas German Reed composed the music for many of the entertainments himself and this form of entertainment consisted of musical plays of a refined nature. During the early Victorian era, visiting the theatre was considered distasteful to the respectable public, Shakespeare and classic British plays were presented, but the London stage became dominated by risque farces, burlesques and bad adaptations of French operettas. A first effort to bridge the gap was made by the German Reed Entertainers and their example showed that respectable theatre could be popular and encouraged successors such as Gilbert and Sullivan. In 1855, the first performance of Miss P. Hortons Illustrative Gatherings, took place at St. Martins Hall, Mrs. Reed had been a popular performer of operetta, Shakespeare and other theatre pieces since the 1830s. The Reeds entertainments consisted, at first, of character sketches, in 1856, the entertainments moved to the more intimate Gallery of Illustration. These eventually became Mr. and Mrs. German Reeds Entertainments, Reed himself composed the music for many of these pieces and often appeared in them, along with Mrs. German Reed. There was nothing else like this establishment in London, and the Gallery rapidly achieved popularity, the Gallery was an intimate 500-seat theatre. The accompaniment consisted of piano at first, and later also a harmonium, at first, the entertainments utilized a cast of three, but by the mid-1860s, they had expanded to pieces with a cast of four. Often the pieces plots involved mistaken identities and disguises, from 1860 to 1868, the German Reeds were assisted by John Orlando Parry, a pianist, mimic, parodist and humorous singer. He created a new type of musical and dramatic monologue that became popular, Burnand, Our Quiet Chateau by Robert Reece, and Inquire Within by Burnand. As time went on, the Reeds added a dramatic pieces, Reed experimented with what he called opera di camera - small chamber operas by young composers. The German Reeds were able to attract fine young composers such as Molloy, Frederic Clay, Arthur Sullivan, and Alfred Cellier, the best scenic designers for their tiny stage, and the best young writers from Punch and Fun magazines. Several of these pieces had ideas in embryonic form that would later re-appear in the Savoy Operas, Ages Ago, for instance, had a gallery of portraits that come to life, an idea re-used in Ruddigore. Mrs. German Reeds performances inspired Gilbert to create some of his famous contralto roles, German Reed also mounted the first professional production of Arthur Sullivan and F. C. Burnands Cox and Box and commissioned an opera from the pair
German Reed Entertainment
–
A Sensation Novel, 1871
German Reed Entertainment
–
Priscilla and
Thomas German Reed
German Reed Entertainment
–
Gilbert's last German Reed Entertainment, 1875
16.
Hamlet
–
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, often shortened to Hamlet, is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare at an uncertain date between 1599 and 1602. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, by the ghost of Hamlets father, Claudius had murdered his own brother and seized the throne, also marrying his deceased brothers widow. It has inspired many other writers—from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Charles Dickens to James Joyce and he almost certainly wrote his version of the title role for his fellow actor, Richard Burbage, the leading tragedian of Shakespeares time. In the 400 years since its inception, the role has been performed by highly acclaimed actors in each successive century. Three different early versions of the play are extant, the First Quarto, the Second Quarto, each version includes lines and entire scenes missing from the others. The plays structure and depth of characterisation have inspired much critical scrutiny, the protagonist of Hamlet is Prince Hamlet of Denmark, son of the recently deceased King Hamlet, and nephew of King Claudius, his fathers brother and successor. Claudius hastily married King Hamlets widow, Gertrude, Hamlets mother, Denmark has a long-standing feud with neighboring Norway, which culminated when King Hamlet slew King Fortinbras of Norway in a battle years ago. Although Denmark defeated Norway, and the Norwegian throne fell to King Fortinbrass infirm brother, Denmark fears that an invasion led by the dead Norwegian kings son, Prince Fortinbras, is imminent. On a cold night on the ramparts of Elsinore, the Danish royal castle and they vow to tell Prince Hamlet what they have witnessed. As the court gathers the next day, while King Claudius and Queen Gertrude discuss affairs of state with their elderly adviser Polonius, after the court exits, Hamlet despairs of his fathers death and his mothers hasty remarriage. Learning of the ghost from Horatio, Hamlet resolves to see it himself, as Poloniuss son Laertes prepares to depart for a visit to France, Polonius gives him contradictory advice that culminates in the ironic maxim to thine own self be true. Poloniuss daughter, Ophelia, admits her interest in Hamlet, and that night on the rampart, the ghost appears to Hamlet, telling the prince that he was murdered by Claudius and demanding that Hamlet avenge him. Hamlet agrees and the ghost vanishes, the prince confides to Horatio and the sentries that from now on he plans to put an antic disposition on and forces them to swear to keep his plans for revenge secret. Privately, however, he remains uncertain of the ghosts reliability, soon thereafter, Ophelia rushes to her father, telling him that Hamlet arrived at her door the prior night half-undressed and behaving crazily. Polonius blames love for Hamlets madness and resolves to inform Claudius, as he enters to do so, the king and queen finish welcoming Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two student acquaintances of Hamlet, to Elsinore. The royal couple has requested that the students investigate the cause of Hamlets mood, additional news requires that Polonius wait to be heard, messengers from Norway inform Claudius that the King of Norway has rebuked Prince Fortinbras for attempting to re-fight his fathers battles. The forces that Fortinbras conscripted to march against Denmark will instead be sent against Poland, Polonius tells Claudius and Gertrude his theory regarding Hamlets behavior, and speaks to Hamlet in a hall of the castle to try to uncover more information. Hamlet feigns madness but subtly insults Polonius all the while, when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive, Hamlet greets his friends warmly, but quickly discerns that they are spies
Hamlet
–
The American actor
Edwin Booth as
Hamlet, ca. 1870
Hamlet
–
Hamlet mistakenly stabs Polonius (Artist: Coke Smyth, 19th century).
Hamlet
–
The "gravedigger scene" (Artist:
Eugène Delacroix, 1839)
Hamlet
–
A facsimile of
Gesta Danorum by
Saxo Grammaticus, which contains the legend of Amleth
17.
West End theatre
–
West End theatre is a common term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of Theatreland in and near the West End of London. Along with New York Citys Broadway theatre, West End theatre is considered to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. Seeing a West End show is a common tourist activity in London, in 2013, ticket sales reached a record 14.4 million, making West End the largest English speaking audience in the world. Famous screen actors frequently appear on the London stage, helen Mirren received an award for her performance as the Queen on the West End stage, and then stated, theatre is such an important part of British history and British culture. Theatre in London flourished after the English Reformation, the first permanent public playhouse, known simply as The Theatre, was constructed in 1576 in Shoreditch by James Burbage. It was soon joined by The Curtain, both are known to have been used by William Shakespeares company. In 1599, the timber from The Theatre was moved to Southwark and these theatres were closed in 1642 due to the Puritans who would later influence the interregnum of 1649. After the Restoration, two companies were licensed to perform, the Dukes Company and the Kings Company, performances were held in converted buildings, such as Lisles Tennis Court. The first West End theatre, known as Theatre Royal in Bridges Street, was designed by Thomas Killigrew and built on the site of the present Theatre Royal and it opened on 7 May 1663 and was destroyed by a fire nine years later. It was replaced by a new designed by Christopher Wren and renamed the Theatre Royal. Outside the West End, Sadlers Wells Theatre opened in Islington on 3 June 1683. Taking its name from founder Richard Sadler and monastic springs that were discovered on the property, it operated as a Musick House, with performances of opera, as it was not licensed for plays. In the West End, the Theatre Royal Haymarket opened on 29 December 1720 on a site north of its current location. The Patent theatre companies retained their duopoly on drama well into the 19th century, by the early 19th century, however, music hall entertainments became popular, and presenters found a loophole in the restrictions on non-patent theatres in the genre of melodrama. Melodrama did not break the Patent Acts, as it was accompanied by music, initially, these entertainments were presented in large halls, attached to public houses, but purpose-built theatres began to appear in the East End at Shoreditch and Whitechapel. The West End theatre district became established with the opening of small theatres and halls. South of the River Thames, the Old Vic, Waterloo Road, the next few decades saw the opening of many new theatres in the West End. It abbreviated its name three years later, the theatre building boom continued until about World War I
West End theatre
–
London's
Palace Theatre built in 1891
West End theatre
–
The
Lyceum Theatre, home to
Disney's The Lion King.
West End theatre
–
The
St Martin's Theatre, home to
The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in the world.
West End theatre
–
The exterior of the Old Vic
18.
Lyceum Theatre, London
–
The Lyceum Theatre is a 2, 100-seat West End theatre located in the City of Westminster, on Wellington Street, just off the Strand. The origins of the date to 1765. From 1816 to 1830, it served as The English Opera House, after a fire, the house was rebuilt and reopened on 14 July 1834 to a design by Samuel Beazley. The building was unique in that it has a balcony overhanging the dress circle and it was built by the partnership of Peto & Grissell. The theatre then played opera, adaptations of Charles Dickens novels and James Planchés fairy extravaganzas, from 1871 to 1902, Henry Irving appeared at the theatre in, especially, Shakespeare, usually starring opposite Ellen Terry. In 1904 the theatre was almost completely rebuilt and richly ornamented in Rococo style by Bertie Crewe and it played mostly melodrama over the ensuing decades. The building closed in 1939 and was set to be demolished, but it was saved and converted into a Mecca Ballroom in 1951, styled the Lyceum Ballroom, the Lyceum was closed in 1986 but restored to theatrical use in 1996 by Holohan Architects. Since 1999, the theatre has hosted The Lion King, the building was then leased out for dances and other entertainments, including musical entertainments by Charles Dibdin. Famed actor David Garrick also performed there, in 1794, the composer Samuel Arnold Sr rebuilt the interior of the building, making it into a proper theatre, but through the opposition of the existing patent theatres, he was not granted a patent. Therefore, he leased it to other entertainments again, including Philip Astley and it was also used as a chapel, a concert room, and for the first London exhibition of waxworks displayed by Madame Tussaud in 1802. It staged one of the earliest tableaux vivants, as part of William Dimonds The Peasant Boy in 1811, in 1816, Samuel Arnold rebuilt the house to a design by Beazley and opened it as The English Opera House, but it was destroyed by fire in 1830. The house was famous for hosting the London première of Mozarts opera Così fan tutte, during this period, the Sublime Society of Beef Steaks, which had been founded in 1735 by theatre manager Henry Rich, had its home at the theatre for over 50 years until 1867. The members, who never exceeded twenty-four in number, met every Saturday night to eat beefsteaks, in 1834, the present house opened slightly to the west, with a frontage on Wellington Street, under the name Theatre Royal Lyceum and English Opera House. The theatre was designed by Beazley and cost £40,000. The new house championed English opera rather than the Italian operas that had played earlier in the century, composer John Barnett produced a number of works in the first few years of the theatre, including The Mountain Sylph, credited as the first modern English opera. It was followed by Fair Rosamund in 1837 and Farinelli in 1839, in 1841–43, composer Michael Balfe managed the theatre and produced National Opera here, but the venture was ultimately unsuccessful. For instance, an adaptation of Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit ran for over 100 performances from 1844–45 here, the Lyceum was later managed by Madame Lucia Elizabeth Vestris and Charles James Mathews from 1847–55, who produced James Planchés extravaganzas featuring spectacular stage effects. Their first big success was John Maddison Mortons Box and Cox, tom Taylors adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities, with Dickens himself as consultant, played in 1860, shortly after end of its serialisation and volume publication
Lyceum Theatre, London
–
Disney's The Lion King has been at the theatre since 1999
Lyceum Theatre, London
–
c. 1835 Engraving:
Eliza Vestris in The Alcaid
Lyceum Theatre, London
–
Sir Henry Irving
Lyceum Theatre, London
–
Ellen Terry as Katherine in
Henry VIII
19.
Olympic Theatre
–
The Olympic Theatre, sometimes known as the Royal Olympic Theatre, was a 19th century London theatre, opened in 1806 and located at the junction of Drury Lane, Wych Street and Newcastle Street. The theatre specialised in comedies throughout much of its existence, along with three other Victorian theatres, the Olympic was eventually demolished in 1904 to make way for the development of the Aldwych. Newcastle and Wych streets also vanished, the first Olympic theatre was built in 1806 on the site of Drury House, for the impresario Philip Astley, a retired cavalry officer. The original name of the house was the Olympic Pavilion and it was said to be built from the timbers of the French warship Ville de Paris. It opened on 1 December 1806 as a house of public exhibition of horsemanship, in 1813, Astley sold the theatre to Robert William Elliston, who refurbished the interior and renamed it the Little Drury Lane, reflecting its proximity to the large Drury Lane Theatre nearby. Elliston had the theatre rebuilt and reopened it with William Thomas Moncrieffs comedy Rochester – or. John Scott purchased the playhouse at Ellisons bankruptcy auction in 1826, in 1830, Lucia Elizabeth Vestris leased the house, becoming the first female actor-manager in the history of London theatre. She had already made her fortune as a singer, a dancer, many were written by J. R. Planché and Charles Dance, featuring Vestris in breeches roles, and the popular comedian of the day, John Liston. While Vestris licence only allowed the performance of extravaganzas and burlesques, the 1840s were a period of decline for the theatre. A fire in 1849 is characterised by the Victorian Web as suspicious, the 1850s were a more successful decade for the theatre. Dion Boucicaults Broken Vow was staged in 1851, Planché began writing for the Olympic again, other playwrights featured at the Olympic in the 1850s were Robert B. Brough, Francis Burnand, John Stirling Coyne, John Oxenford, Mrs Alfred Phillips, John Palgrave Simpson, Tom Taylor, the theatre was managed by the actor-manager Alfred Wigan from 1853 to 1857. The staples of the repertoire in the 1850s and 1860s continued to be comedies, many featuring the great actor, a notable exception was Tom Taylors celebrated 1863 social melodrama, The Ticket-of-Leave Man, based on a French dramatic tale, Le Retour de Melun. It starred Henry Neville, who went on to play in over 2000 performances of the work, nellie Farren spent two productive years at the theatre early in her career. The capacity of the theatre was at this time 889, the Olympic reopened with performances of The Girl I Left Behind Me and The Hidden Hand and My Wifes Bonnet in November 1864. Burnands contributions in the 1860s included Fair Rosamond – The Maze, The Maid, and The Monarch, Deerfoot, Robin Hood – or, The Forresters Fate. Cupid and Psyche – or, Beautiful as a Butterfly, Acis and Galatæa – or, The Nimble Nymph and the Terrible Troglodyte. and King of the Merrows – or, The Prince and the Piper. Mortons plays included Ticklish Times, A Husband to Order, A Regular Fix. in 1870, W. S. Gilbert became another of the theatres notable authors, producing The Princess
Olympic Theatre
–
1831 engraving of the Royal Olympic Theatre
Olympic Theatre
–
1820 architect's plans of the Olympic Theatre
Olympic Theatre
–
Vestris as Pandora in Olympic Revels, 1831
Olympic Theatre
–
A photo of Tom Taylor by
Lewis Carroll
20.
Charles Dickens
–
Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the worlds best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era and his works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity, born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors prison. Dickenss literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers, within a few years he had become an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most published in monthly or weekly instalments, pioneered the publication of narrative fiction. The instalment format allowed Dickens to evaluate his audiences reaction, and he modified his plot. For example, when his wifes chiropodist expressed distress at the way Miss Mowcher in David Copperfield seemed to reflect her disabilities and his plots were carefully constructed, and he often wove elements from topical events into his narratives. Masses of the poor chipped in hapennies to have each new monthly episode read to them, opening up. Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age and his 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also adapted, and, like many of his novels. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London, Dickens has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for his realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of depth, loose writing. The term Dickensian is used to something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born on 7 February 1812, at 1 Mile End Terrace, Landport in Portsea Island and his father was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office and was temporarily stationed in the district. He asked Christopher Huffam, rigger to His Majestys Navy, gentleman, Huffam is thought to be the inspiration for Paul Dombey, the owner of a shipping company in Dickenss eponymous Dombey and Son. In January 1815 John Dickens was called back to London, when Charles was four, they relocated to Sheerness, and thence to Chatham, Kent, where he spent his formative years until the age of 11. His early life seems to have been idyllic, though he himself a very small. Charles spent time outdoors but also read voraciously, including the novels of Tobias Smollett and Henry Fielding, as well as Robinson Crusoe
Charles Dickens
–
Dickens in New York, 1867
Charles Dickens
–
Charles Dickens's birthplace, 393 Commercial Road, Portsmouth
Charles Dickens
–
2 Ordnance Terrace,
Chatham, Dickens's home 1817 – May 1821
Charles Dickens
–
Illustration by Fred Bernard of Dickens at work in a shoe-blacking factory after his father had been sent to the
Marshalsea, published in the 1892 edition of Forster's Life of Dickens
21.
Dion Boucicault
–
Dionysius Lardner Boursiquot, commonly known as Dion Boucicault, was an Irish actor and playwright famed for his melodramas. By the later part of the 19th century, Boucicault had become known on both sides of the Atlantic as one of the most successful actor-playwright-managers then in the English-speaking theatre, the New York Times heralded him in his obituary as the most conspicuous English dramatist of the 19th century. Dionysius Lardner Boursiquot was born and educated in Dublin where he lived on Gardiner Street and his mother was Anne Darley, sister of the poet and mathematician George Darley. The Darleys were an important Dublin family influential in many fields, Anne was married to Samuel Smith Boursiquot, of Huguenot ancestry, but the identity of the boys father is questionable. He was probably Dionysius Lardner, a lodger at his mothers house at a time when she was separated from her husband. Dion went to London and was enrolled at University College School at the age of 13, after a year in London, Boursiquot/Boucicault left to pursue acting in Cheltenham. The young actor used the stage name Lee Morton and he joined William Charles Macready and made his first appearance upon the stage with Benjamin Webster at Bristol, England. Soon afterwards he began to write plays, occasionally in conjunction and his first play, A Legend of the Devils Dyke, opened in Brighton in 1838. Three years later he found success as a dramatist with London Assurance. Produced at Covent Garden on 4 March 1841, its cast included such actors as Charles Mathews, William Farren, Mrs Nesbitt. The last two plays were adaptations of French plays, in his play The Vampire, Boucicault made his début as a leading actor as the vampire Sir Alan Raby. Although the play itself had mixed reviews, Boucicaults characterisation was praised as a dreadful, in 1854 he wrote and played the title character in Andy Blake, or, The Irish Diamond. From 1854 to 1860, Boucicault resided in the United States, Boucicault and his actress wife, Agnes Robertson, toured America. He also wrote successful plays there, acting in most of them. These included the popular Jessie Brown, or, The Relief of Lucknow in 1858, in the summer of 1859, Boucicault took over as manager of Burtons New Theatre on Broadway just below Amity Street. After extensive remodelling, he renamed his new showplace the Winter Garden Theatre, there on 5 December 1859, he premiered his new sensation, the anti-slavery potboiler The Octoroon, in which he also starred. This was the first play to treat seriously the Black American population, on his return to England, he produced at the Adelphi Theatre a dramatic adaptation of Gerald Griffins novel, The Collegians, entitled The Colleen Bawn. This play, one of the most successful of the times, was performed in almost every city of the United Kingdom, although it made its author a handsome fortune, he lost it in the management of various London theatres
Dion Boucicault
–
Dion Boucicault, c. 1862
Dion Boucicault
–
Painting by
Edward Henry Corbould depicting a scene from Boucicault's The Corscian Brothers, 1852
Dion Boucicault
–
Poster for a production of Boucicault's
farce Contempt of Court, c. 1879. From the
Library of Congress
Dion Boucicault
–
Dion Boucicault, c 1890
22.
Henry Irving
–
Sir Henry Irving, born John Henry Brodribb, sometimes known as J. H. In 1895 he became the first actor to be awarded a knighthood, Irving is widely acknowledged to be one of the inspirations for Count Dracula, the title character of the 1897 novel Dracula whose author Bram Stoker was business manager of the theatre. Irving was born to a family in Keinton Mandeville in the county of Somerset. W. H. Davies, the poet, was a cousin. Irving spent his living with his aunt, Mrs Penberthy. He competed in a recitation contest at a local Methodist chapel where he was bested by William Curnow and he attended City Commercial School for two years before going to work in the office of a law firm at age 13. He married Florence OCallaghan on 15 July 1869 at St. Marylebone, London, but his personal life took second place to his professional life. On opening night of The Bells,25 November 1871, Florence, Irving exited their carriage at Hyde Park Corner, walked off into the night, and chose never to see her again. He maintained a distance from his children as well. Florence Irving never divorced Irving, and once he had been knighted she styled herself Lady Irving, Irving never remarried and his elder son, Harry Brodribb Irving, usually known as H B Irving, became a famous actor and later a theatre manager. His younger son, Laurence Irving, became a dramatist and later drowned, with his wife, H B married Dorothea Baird and they had a son, Laurence Irving, who became a well-known Hollywood art director and his grandfathers biographer. In November 1882 Irving became a Freemason, being initiated into the prestigious Jerusalem Lodge No 197 in London, in 1887 he became a founder member and first Treasurer of the Savage Club Lodge No 2190, a Lodge associated with Londons Savage Club. It could be said that Irving found his family in his professional company, whether Irvings long, spectacularly successful relationship with leading lady Ellen Terry was romantic as well as professional has been the subject of much historical speculation. Most of their correspondence was lost or burned by her descendants and we were terribly in love for a while. But at earlier periods in her life, when there were more people around to be offended, Terrys son Teddy, later known as Edward Gordon Craig, spent much of his childhood indulged by Irving backstage at the Lyceum. Craig, who came to be regarded as something of a visionary for the theatre of the future, wrote an especially vivid, George Bernard Shaw, at the time a theatre critic who was jealous of Irvings connection to Ellen Terry, conceded Irvings genius after Irving died. After a few years schooling while living at Halsetown, near St Ives, Cornwall, Irving became a clerk to a firm of East India merchants in London, but he soon gave up a commercial career for acting. On 29 September 1856 he made his first appearance at Sunderland as Gaston, Duke of Orleans, in Bulwer Lyttons play, Richelieu and this name he eventually assumed by royal licence
Henry Irving
–
Sir Henry Irving
Henry Irving
–
Sir Henry Irving, as
Hamlet, in an 1893 illustration from
The Idler magazine
Henry Irving
–
Irving, 1883. From a photograph by Samuel A. Walker
Henry Irving
–
Caricature (by
Ape) of Irving in
The Bells.
Vanity Fair, 19 December 1874.
23.
Adelphi Theatre
–
The Adelphi Theatre /əˈdɛlfi/ is a London West End theatre, located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. The present building is the fourth on the site, the theatre has specialised in comedy and musical theatre, and today it is a receiving house for a variety of productions, including many musicals. The theatre was Grade II listed for preservation on 1 December 1987. It was founded in 1806 as the Sans Pareil, by merchant John Scott, Jane was a British theatre manager, performer, and playwright. Together, they gathered a company and by 1809 the theatre was licensed for musical entertainments, pantomime. She wrote more than fifty pieces in an array of genres, melodramas, pantomimes, farces, comic operettas, historical dramas. Jane Scott retired to Surrey in 1819, marrying John Davies Middleton, on 18 October 1819, the theatre reopened under its present name, which was adopted from the Adelphi Buildings opposite. In its early years, the theatre was known for melodrama and this is notable for being thought the first Dickens adaption performed. In 1848, The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain was performed, the new theatre could seat 1,500 people, with standing room for another 500. The interior was lighted by a Strouds Patent Sun Lamp, a brilliant array of gas mantles passed through a chandelier of cut-glass, in the mid-19th century, John Lawrence Toole established his comedic reputation at the Adelphi. Also in the century, the Adelphi hosted a number of French operettas. In 1867, however, the Adelphi gave English comic opera a boost by hosting the first public performance of Arthur Sullivans first opera, Cox and Box. They also built a new enlarged facade and part of this can still be seen today above the Crystal Rooms next door to the present Adelphi Theatre and this is now recorded on a plaque on the wall by the stage door. Outside a neighbouring pub, a sign says that the killer was one of the stage hands. It has been said that Terriss ghost haunts the theatre, Terriss daughter was Ellaline Terriss, a famous actress, and her husband, actor-manager Seymour Hicks managed the Adelphi for some years at the end of the 19th century. The stage door of the current Adelphi is in Maiden Lane, william Terriss would later have a Theatre named after him, the Terriss Theatre in Rotherhithe, later known as the Rotherhithe Hippodrome. The adjacent, numbers 409 and 410 Strand, were built in 1886–87 by the Gatti Brothers as the Adelphi Restaurant, the frontage remains essentially the same, but with plate glass windows, and, like the theatre, is a Grade II listed building. On 11 September 1901, the theatre was opened as the Century Theatre
Adelphi Theatre
–
Sketch of a scene from Jane Scott's 1816 play, The Old Oak Chest
Adelphi Theatre
–
The Adelphi Theatre in September 2007
Adelphi Theatre
–
Charles Dickens '
The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain at the Adelphi, in the Illustrated London News, 30 December 1848
Adelphi Theatre
–
Cover of Vocal Score
24.
The Times
–
The Times is a British daily national newspaper based in London, England. It began in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register, the Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers, since 1981 a subsidiary of News UK, itself wholly owned by News Corp. The Times and The Sunday Times do not share editorial staff, were founded independently and have only had common ownership since 1967 and its news and its editorial comment have in general been carefully coordinated, and have at most times been handled with an earnest sense of responsibility. While the paper has admitted some trivia to its columns, its emphasis has been on important public affairs treated with an eye to the best interests of Britain. To guide this treatment, the editors have for long periods been in touch with 10 Downing Street. In these countries, the newspaper is often referred to as The London Times or The Times of London, although the newspaper is of national scope, in November 2006 The Times began printing headlines in a new font, Times Modern. The Times was printed in broadsheet format for 219 years, the Sunday Times remains a broadsheet. The Times had a daily circulation of 446,164 in December 2016, in the same period. An American edition of The Times has been published since 6 June 2006 and it has been heavily used by scholars and researchers because of its widespread availability in libraries and its detailed index. A complete historical file of the paper, up to 2010, is online from Gale Cengage Learning. The Times was founded by publisher John Walter on 1 January 1785 as The Daily Universal Register, Walter had lost his job by the end of 1784 after the insurance company where he was working went bankrupt because of the complaints of a Jamaican hurricane. Being unemployed, Walter decided to set a new business up and it was in that time when Henry Johnson invented the logography, a new typography that was faster and more precise. Walter bought the patent and to use it, he decided to open a printing house. The first publication of the newspaper The Daily Universal Register in Great Britain was 1 January 1785, unhappy because people always omitted the word Universal, Ellias changed the title after 940 editions on 1 January 1788 to The Times. In 1803, Walter handed ownership and editorship to his son of the same name, the Times used contributions from significant figures in the fields of politics, science, literature, and the arts to build its reputation. For much of its life, the profits of The Times were very large. Beginning in 1814, the paper was printed on the new steam-driven cylinder press developed by Friedrich Koenig, in 1815, The Times had a circulation of 5,000. Thomas Barnes was appointed editor in 1817
The Times
–
Front page of The Times from 4 December 1788
The Times
–
Roy Thomson
The Times
–
A wounded British officer reading The Times's report of the end of the
Crimean War, in
John Everett Millais ' painting
Peace Concluded.
The Times
–
John Walter, the founder of The Times
25.
Tom Taylor
–
Tom Taylor was an English dramatist, critic, biographer, public servant, and editor of Punch magazine. Taylor was born into a family at Bishopwearmouth, present day Sunderland. After attending school at the Grange in Sunderland, and studying for two sessions at the University of Glasgow, he became a student of Cambridge Universitys Trinity College in 1837. In 1840 he received a B. A. with honors in classics and mathematics, and a masters degree in 1843. Taylor began his life as a journalist. Soon after moving to London, he wrote for the Morning Chronicle and he was on the staff of Punch magazine until 1874, when he succeeded Charles William Shirley Brooks as editor. He was also an art critic for The Times and The Graphic, at the same time, for two years, he was a professor of English literature at University College, London. He was accepted as a lawyer of Middle Temple in November 1846, on the reconstruction of the Board in 1854 he was made Secretary, and on its abolition his services were transferred to a department of the Home Office, retiring on a pension in 1876. Taylor also wrote about painters, editing the Autobiography of B. R. Haydon and he also edited Pen Sketches from a Vanished Hand, selected from papers of Mortimer Collins. He died at his home in Battersea, London, in 1880 at the age of 62 and is buried in Brompton Cemetery, from an early age, Taylor had shown a predilection for theatre and performed dramas with a number of children in a loft over a brewers stable. The Old Stagers were invited to perform at the Canterbury Theatre during the Canterbury Cricket Week, Taylor performed, under his nom de theatre J. Noakes, Esq, with the Old Stagers for more than 20 years. He was usually also Stage Manager and wrote many epilogues at the end of the Canterbury Cricket Week and he and the Old Stagers also performed in Royal Leamington Spa in 1852, and at the Theatre Royal during the I Zingari Cricket Week of 1853. Most of the Old Stagers played cricket for I Zingari during the day and performed on the stage in the evening, four of Taylors burlesques were produced at the Lyceum Theatre in London in 1844. His first success was To Parents and Guardians, produced at the Lyceum in 1845, Taylor eventually produced about 100 plays, although many were adaptations from the French or collaborations with other playwrights, notably Charles Reade. Some of his plots were adapted from the novels of Charles Dickens or others, many of Taylors plays were extremely popular, and his stated intention was to construct popular plays. The best of them include Masks and Faces, Plot and Passion, Still Waters Run Deep, The Ticket-of-Leave Man, which introduced Hawkshaw the Detective, and Arkwright’s Wife. He also wrote a series of historical dramas (many in blank verse, including The Fool’s Revenge, Twixt Axe and Crown, Jeanne darc, Lady Clancarty, in 1871, Taylor supplied the words to Arthur Sullivans dramatic cantata, On Shore and Sea. Taylors plays are mostly forgotten today, although several survived into the 20th century and his most famous play is Our American Cousin, remembered mostly for its association with Abraham Lincolns assassination
Tom Taylor
–
This article is about the dramatist and editor. For other uses, see
Tom Taylor (disambiguation)
Tom Taylor
–
Caricature of Taylor by
"Spy" in magazine
Vanity Fair, 1876.
Tom Taylor
–
Revival of The Ticket-of-Leave Man, starring
Nellie Farren
26.
J. L. Toole
–
John Lawrence Toole was an English comic actor, actor-manager and theatrical producer. He was famous for his roles in farce and in serio-comic melodramas in a career spanned more than four decades. He was so famous in his day that he was the first actor to have a West End theatre named after him, Toole was born in London, the younger son of James Toole and his wife, Elizabeth. His father was a messenger for the East India Company and for years an usher at the Old Bailey. He was educated at the City of London School from 1841–45, in 1854, Toole married Susan Hale, a widow five years older than he. They had a son, Frank Lawrence, and a daughter, Florence Mabel, Toole began his acting career by training as an amateur with the City Histrionic Club, beginning in 1850 and by performing in other amateur theatricals and in comic sketches. He earned good notices, particularly as Jacob Earwig in Boots at the Swan, and soon met Charles Dickens and his last amateur role was as Simmons in The Spitalfields Weaver by Thomas Haynes Bayly at the Haymarket Theatre. His older brother, Francis, acted as his manager throughout his early career, there he also played in Boots at the Swan and Honours before Titles. He returned to the provinces, but by 1856 was engaged in London at the Lyceum Theatre, including as Hilarion Fanfaronade in Belphegor, thereafter, he frequently performed with Wilton. In 1857, having had a success in London as Paul Pry in John Pooles farce of that name, he made his first of many successful provincial summer tours. During this first tour, he met and acted together with Henry Irving, in 1858, he scored a notable hit creating the role of Tom Cranky in John Hollingsheads farce The Birthplace of Podgers. H. Williams, Augustus de Rosherville in The Willow Copse by Boucicault, in Birthplace of Podgers and he remained at the Adelphi as principal low comedian for nine years, frequently partnering with Paul Bedford, whose sedate comic style complemented his own contrasting energetic style. His other great successes there were as Mr. Tetterby in an adaptation of Dickens The Haunted Man, but in low comedy and broad farce it would be difficult to find an actor of equal merit. As Paul Pry he keeps his audience in a roar whenever he is on the stage. In 1872–74, among other successes, he portrayed Tom Larkin in Good News by H. J. J. Byron, and created the role of the barrister Hammond Coote in Wig and Gown by James Albery. Tooles fame was at its height in 1874, when he went on tour to America and he remained based mostly at the Gaiety until the end of 1877, when he moved to the Globe Theatre under his own management for two years. In 1878, Toole created the role of Charles Liquorpond in A Fool, Liquorpond was a retired footman unexpectedly overtaken by wealth, and Tooles affectedly superior pronunciation, particularly of his own name, was a tremendous success. In his prime, Toole achieved wide popularity as a actor, being noted for his comic delivery of words
J. L. Toole
–
J. L. Toole
J. L. Toole
–
Spy cartoon of Toole entitled "A Spelling Bee" (1876)
J. L. Toole
–
Toole in The Butler at the
Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
J. L. Toole
–
Toole in the title role in The Don (1888)
27.
Charles Reade
–
Charles Reade was an English novelist and dramatist, best known for The Cloister and the Hearth. Charles Reade was born at Ipsden, Oxfordshire, to John Reade and Anne Marie Scott-Waring and he studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, taking his B. A. in 1835, and became a fellow of his college. He was subsequently dean of arts and vice-president, taking his degree of D. C. L. in 1847 and his name was entered at Lincolns Inn in 1836, he was elected Vinerian Fellow in 1842, and was called to the bar in 1843. He kept his fellowship at Magdalen all his life but, after taking his degree, William Winwood Reade, the influential historian, was his nephew. Reade began his career as a dramatist, and he chose to have dramatist stand first in the list of his occupations on his tombstone. As an author, he always had an eye to stage effect in scene and his first comedy, The Ladies Battle, appeared at the Olympic Theatre in May 1851. It was followed by Angela, A Village Tale, The Lost Husband, but Reades reputation was made by the two-act comedy, Masks and Faces, in which he collaborated with Tom Taylor. It was produced in November 1852, and later was expanded into three acts, by the advice of the actress, Laura Seymour, he turned the play into a prose story which appeared in 1853 as Peg Woffington. The same year he wrote Christie Johnstone, a study of Scottish fisher folk. In 1854 he produced, in conjunction with Tom Taylor, Two Loves and a Life, and The Kings Rival, in the next year appeared Art, afterwards known as Nance Oldfield. He made his name as a novelist in 1856, when he published It Is Never Too Late to Mend, a novel written to reform abuses in prison discipline, the truth of some details was challenged, and Reade defended himself vigorously. Five more novels followed in succession, The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, White Lies, Jack of all Trades, The Autobiography of a Thief. White Lies started as a translation of Auguste Maquets play Le Château de Grantier, after managers declined the manuscript, Reade adapted the story, weaving it into a novel which was serialised in The London Journal and published in three volumes the same year. He produced an adaptation of this on stage as The Double Marriage in 1867, in 1861 Reade published what would become his most famous work, based on a few lines by the medieval humanist Erasmus about the life of his parents. It became recognised as one of the most successful historical novels, returning from the 15th century to modern English life, he next produced Hard Cash, in which he highlighted the abuses of private lunatic asylums. The Wandering Heir, of which he wrote a version for the stage, was suggested by the Tichborne Case. Reade also published three elaborate studies of character, Griffith Gaunt, A Terrible Temptation, A Simpleton and he rated the first of these as his best novel. At intervals throughout his career, he sought to gratify his dramatic ambition, hiring a theatre
Charles Reade
–
Charles Reade.
Charles Reade
–
Charles Reade, portrait of him writing, by Charles Mercier, circa 1870
Charles Reade
–
Theatre poster from It is never too late to mend
Charles Reade
–
"Charles Reade," illustrated by Frederick Waddy (1872)
28.
Lord Tennyson
–
Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victorias reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. Tennyson excelled at penning short lyrics, such as Break, Break, Break, The Charge of the Light Brigade, Tears, Idle Tears, Tennyson also wrote some notable blank verse including Idylls of the King, Ulysses, and Tithonus. During his career, Tennyson attempted drama, but his plays enjoyed little success and he is the ninth most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Tennyson was born in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England and he was born into a middle-class line of Tennysons, but also had a noble and royal ancestry. His father, George Clayton Tennyson, was rector of Somersby, also rector of Benniworth and Bag Enderby, and vicar of Grimsby. Rev. George Clayton Tennyson raised a family and was a man of superior abilities and varied attainments, who tried his hand with fair success in architecture, painting, music. He was comfortably well off for a clergyman and his shrewd money management enabled the family to spend summers at Mablethorpe. Alfred Tennysons mother, Elizabeth Fytche, was the daughter of Stephen Fytche, vicar of St. James Church, Louth and rector of Withcall, Tennysons father carefully attended to the education and training of his children. Tennyson and two of his brothers were writing poetry in their teens and a collection of poems by all three was published locally when Alfred was only 17. One of those brothers, Charles Tennyson Turner, later married Louisa Sellwood, the sister of Alfreds future wife. Another of Tennysons brothers, Edward Tennyson, was institutionalised at a private asylum, Tennyson was a student of Louth Grammar School for four years and then attended Scaitcliffe School, Englefield Green and King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth. He entered Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1827, where he joined a society called the Cambridge Apostles. A portrait of Tennyson by George Frederic Watts is in Trinitys collection, at Cambridge, Tennyson met Arthur Henry Hallam and William Henry Brookfield, who became his closest friends. His first publication was a collection of his rhymes and those of his elder brother Charles entitled Poems by Two Brothers. In 1829, Tennyson was awarded the Chancellors Gold Medal at Cambridge for one of his first pieces, reportedly, it was thought to be no slight honour for a young man of twenty to win the chancellors gold medal. He published his first solo collection of poems, Poems Chiefly Lyrical in 1830, claribel and Mariana, which later took their place among Tennysons most celebrated poems, were included in this volume. Although decried by critics as overly sentimental, his verse soon proved popular and brought Tennyson to the attention of well-known writers of the day. In the spring of 1831, Tennysons father died, requiring him to leave Cambridge before taking his degree and he returned to the rectory, where he was permitted to live for another six years and shared responsibility for his widowed mother and the family
Lord Tennyson
–
1869
Carbon print by
Julia Margaret Cameron
Lord Tennyson
–
An illustration by
W. E. F. Britten showing Somersby Rectory, where Tennyson was raised and began writing.
Lord Tennyson
–
Tennyson with his wife Emily (1813–1896) and his sons Hallam (1852–1928) and Lionel (1854–1886).
Lord Tennyson
–
Lord Tennyson.
29.
Much Ado about Nothing
–
Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599, as Shakespeare was approaching the middle of his career. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623, at the end, Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right, and the others join in a dance celebrating the marriages of the two couples. At Messina, a messenger brings news that Don Pedro, a prince from Aragon, will return that night from a successful battle, Beatrice, Leonatos niece, asks the messenger about Benedick and makes sarcastic remarks about his ineptitude as a soldier. Leonato explains that There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick, upon the arrival of the soldiers, Leonato welcomes Don Pedro and invites him to stay for a month, Benedick and Beatrice resume their merry war, and Pedros illegitimate brother Don John is introduced. Claudios feelings for Hero, Leonatos only daughter, are rekindled upon seeing her, Benedick, who openly despises marriage, tries to dissuade his friend but Don Pedro encourages the marriage. Benedick swears that he will never get married, Don Pedro laughs at him and tells him that when he has found the right person he shall get married. A masquerade ball is planned in celebration of the end of the war, Don John uses this situation to get revenge on his brother Don Pedro by telling young Claudio that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. A furious Claudio confronts Don Pedro, but the misunderstanding is quickly resolved, meanwhile, Benedick disguises himself and dances with Beatrice. Beatrice proceeds to tell this man that Benedick is the princes jester. Benedick, enraged by her words, swears he will have revenge, Don Pedro and his men, bored at the prospect of waiting a week for the wedding, harbour a plan to match-make between Benedick and Beatrice. They arrange for Benedick to overhear a conversation in which they declare that Beatrice is madly in love him but afraid to tell him. Meanwhile, Hero and her maid Ursula ensure Beatrice overhears them discuss Benedicks undying love for her, the tricks have the desired effect, both Benedick and Beatrice are delighted to think they are the object of unrequited love, and both accordingly resolve to mend their faults and reconcile. Meanwhile, Don Pedros brother Don John, the prince, plots to prevent the wedding, embarrass his brother and wreak misery on Leonato. He informs Don Pedro and Claudio that Hero is unfaithful, Claudio and Don Pedro are taken in, and Claudio vows to humiliate Hero publicly. At the wedding the day, Claudio denounces Hero before the stunned guests. Her humiliated father Leonato expresses the wish that she would die, the presiding friar intervenes, believing Hero to be innocent. He suggests the family fake Heros death in order to extract the truth, prompted by the days harrowing events, Benedick and Beatrice confess their love for each other. Beatrice then asks Benedick to slay Claudio as proof of his devotion, Benedick is horrified and at first, denies her request
Much Ado about Nothing
–
The first page of Much Ado About Nothing, printed in the
Second Folio of 1632
Much Ado about Nothing
–
A painting of Beatrice by
Frank Dicksee, from The Graphic Gallery of Shakespeare's Heroines
Much Ado about Nothing
–
Swooning of Hero in the Church scene by
Alfred Elmore
Much Ado about Nothing
–
The title page from the first quarto edition of Much Adoe About Nothing, printed in 1600.
30.
Romeo and Juliet
–
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeares most popular plays during his lifetime and along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays, today, the title characters are regarded as archetypal young lovers. Romeo and Juliet belongs to a tradition of tragic romances stretching back to antiquity. The plot is based on an Italian tale translated into verse as The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet by Arthur Brooke in 1562, Shakespeare borrowed heavily from both but expanded the plot by developing a number of supporting characters, particularly Mercutio and Paris. Believed to have written between 1591 and 1595, the play was first published in a quarto version in 1597. The text of the first quarto version was of quality, however. Shakespeares use of his dramatic structure has been praised as an early sign of his dramatic skill. The play ascribes different poetic forms to different characters, sometimes changing the form as the character develops, Romeo, for example, grows more adept at the sonnet over the course of the play. Romeo and Juliet has been adapted numerous times for stage, film, musical, during the English Restoration, it was revived and heavily revised by William Davenant. David Garricks 18th-century version also modified several scenes, removing material then considered indecent, Performances in the 19th century, including Charlotte Cushmans, restored the original text and focused on greater realism. John Gielguds 1935 version kept very close to Shakespeares text and used Elizabethan costumes, the play, set in Verona, Italy, begins with a street brawl between Montague and Capulet servants who, like their masters, are sworn enemies. Prince Escalus of Verona intervenes and declares that further breach of the peace will be punishable by death, later, Count Paris talks to Capulet about marrying his daughter Juliet, but Capulet asks Paris to wait another two years and invites him to attend a planned Capulet ball. Lady Capulet and Juliets nurse try to persuade Juliet to accept Pariss courtship, meanwhile, Benvolio talks with his cousin Romeo, Montagues son, about Romeos recent depression. Benvolio discovers that it stems from unrequited infatuation for a girl named Rosaline, one of Capulets nieces, persuaded by Benvolio and Mercutio, Romeo attends the ball at the Capulet house in hopes of meeting Rosaline. However, Romeo instead meets and falls in love with Juliet, Juliets cousin, Tybalt, is enraged at Romeo for sneaking into the ball but is only stopped from killing Romeo by Juliets father, who does not wish to shed blood in his house. Romeo makes himself known to her and they agree to be married, with the help of Friar Laurence, who hopes to reconcile the two families through their childrens union, they are secretly married the next day. Tybalt, meanwhile, still incensed that Romeo had sneaked into the Capulet ball, Romeo, now considering Tybalt his kinsman, refuses to fight. Mercutio is offended by Tybalts insolence, as well as Romeos vile submission, Mercutio is fatally wounded when Romeo attempts to break up the fight
Romeo and Juliet
–
An 1870 oil painting by
Ford Madox Brown depicting the play's famous balcony scene
Romeo and Juliet
–
L’ultimo bacio dato a Giulietta da Romeo by
Francesco Hayez. Oil on canvas, 1823.
Romeo and Juliet
–
Title page of
Arthur Brooke 's poem, Romeus and Juliet.
Romeo and Juliet
–
Title page of the first edition
31.
Much Ado About Nothing
–
Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599, as Shakespeare was approaching the middle of his career. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623, at the end, Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right, and the others join in a dance celebrating the marriages of the two couples. At Messina, a messenger brings news that Don Pedro, a prince from Aragon, will return that night from a successful battle, Beatrice, Leonatos niece, asks the messenger about Benedick and makes sarcastic remarks about his ineptitude as a soldier. Leonato explains that There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick, upon the arrival of the soldiers, Leonato welcomes Don Pedro and invites him to stay for a month, Benedick and Beatrice resume their merry war, and Pedros illegitimate brother Don John is introduced. Claudios feelings for Hero, Leonatos only daughter, are rekindled upon seeing her, Benedick, who openly despises marriage, tries to dissuade his friend but Don Pedro encourages the marriage. Benedick swears that he will never get married, Don Pedro laughs at him and tells him that when he has found the right person he shall get married. A masquerade ball is planned in celebration of the end of the war, Don John uses this situation to get revenge on his brother Don Pedro by telling young Claudio that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. A furious Claudio confronts Don Pedro, but the misunderstanding is quickly resolved, meanwhile, Benedick disguises himself and dances with Beatrice. Beatrice proceeds to tell this man that Benedick is the princes jester. Benedick, enraged by her words, swears he will have revenge, Don Pedro and his men, bored at the prospect of waiting a week for the wedding, harbour a plan to match-make between Benedick and Beatrice. They arrange for Benedick to overhear a conversation in which they declare that Beatrice is madly in love him but afraid to tell him. Meanwhile, Hero and her maid Ursula ensure Beatrice overhears them discuss Benedicks undying love for her, the tricks have the desired effect, both Benedick and Beatrice are delighted to think they are the object of unrequited love, and both accordingly resolve to mend their faults and reconcile. Meanwhile, Don Pedros brother Don John, the prince, plots to prevent the wedding, embarrass his brother and wreak misery on Leonato. He informs Don Pedro and Claudio that Hero is unfaithful, Claudio and Don Pedro are taken in, and Claudio vows to humiliate Hero publicly. At the wedding the day, Claudio denounces Hero before the stunned guests. Her humiliated father Leonato expresses the wish that she would die, the presiding friar intervenes, believing Hero to be innocent. He suggests the family fake Heros death in order to extract the truth, prompted by the days harrowing events, Benedick and Beatrice confess their love for each other. Beatrice then asks Benedick to slay Claudio as proof of his devotion, Benedick is horrified and at first, denies her request
Much Ado About Nothing
–
The first page of Much Ado About Nothing, printed in the
Second Folio of 1632
Much Ado About Nothing
–
A painting of Beatrice by
Frank Dicksee, from The Graphic Gallery of Shakespeare's Heroines
Much Ado About Nothing
–
Swooning of Hero in the Church scene by
Alfred Elmore
Much Ado About Nothing
–
The title page from the first quarto edition of Much Adoe About Nothing, printed in 1600.
