Today in Theatrical History: May the 3rd

(Stephen Kemble as Falstaff)

George Stephen Kemble was born in 1758 to Robert Kemble of the famous acting family the Kembles. His siblings included such legends of the stage as Charles Kemble and Sarah Siddons. Stephen is probably best known for his management of provincial theatres such as the Theatre Royal in Newcastle which he ran from 1791 until 1806. During the summer season, Stephen would get great stars of the day to perform in his theatres, changing peoples perception that performing in the provinces was for apprentices or no talents. As an actor, Stephen was lauded and it was noted that it was a great shame that he had so many obligations in the provinces that he did not appear very often on the London stage. In 1806 Stephen effectively retired from the stage but still made rare appearances, especially in Durham, where in 1822, just two weeks after his last stage performance ,he died at the age of 64. Stephen Kemble bucked the trend, his parents had wanted him to become a pharmacist and instead he ran off with a travelling theatre company. He could have made a lot of money and been a major force on the London stage but he was happier in the provinces and his dedication to his theatres on the provincial circuit influenced how theatre would evolve over the coming centuries in the UK.

 

On this date in 1829 'Masaniello or The Dumb Girl of Portici' was presented in a double bill with 'My Wife! What Wife?' at Drury Lane in London. 'Masaniello' is based on the story of a Neapolitan fisherman, pictured above, who led a revolt against the Austrians ruling Naples in the 1640s. It is seen as one of the first 'Grand Operas' and it greatly influenced the people of Belgium who apparently rose up and began the Belgian revolution after hearing a patriotic and revolutionary duet during the show. I was unfortunate in that I could not find any information on the author of 'My Wife! What Wife?' but there is a programme in the University of Kent's special collection from the week of 15.5.1829 for the double bill. You can see more information on this programme and this double bill, including listings for the players and orchestra, at the link by clicking... here.