Famous people spotted

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Famous people spotted

mia

I'm always amused by mentions of Mr Kean's various troubles, and there are so many other interesting people mentioned on the playbills.

Someone shared http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_100022589298.0x000002#?cv=1 and asked, 'Mr Smollett is listed as one of the actors. Any chance he's related to Tobias Smollett's family?' - what do you think?

mia

Wendy B spotted this playbill with a performance for the benefit of Miss Ellen Tree (later Mrs Charles Kean):

http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_100022589104.0x000002#?cv=24

mia

Jessica spotted this benefit performance for Ira Aldridge, listed as the African Roscius, in a volume of playbills from miscellaneous theatres: Huddersfield - Ledbury 1783-1864 (http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_100022589128.0x000002#?cv=215&c=0&m=0&s=0&xywh=-4%2C99%2C2371%2C1516 )

vdc-1000225891270x0000da.jpeg

mia

For more information on Ira Aldridge, http://theshakespeareblog.com/2012/10/black-history-month-telling-the-story-of-ira-aldridge-the-african-roscius/ is one of many posts about his role in theatre history on theshakespeareblog.com

mia

Wendy spotted 'Mr S. Kemble's Second Night' in Derby http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_100022589104.0x000002#?cv=32

vdc-1000225891030x000023.jpeg

mia

Do famous dogs count? Nicola H left a comment: A dog performance - notable appearance 'Dragon by the Dog Hector, the dog that performed the part at the Theatres Royal, Drury Lane and Covent Garden'

See it for yourself: http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/ark:/81055/vdc_100022589112.0x000002#?cv=204

vdc-1000225891110x0000cf.jpeg

mia

nosnibor3 comments: 'The "African Roscius", a prominent performer on this playbill, was an African American. His real name was Ira Aldridge 1807-1867. He came to Britain as he thought - correctly - that he would have more opportunities as an actor.