Mr William Smith, an actor with the Drury Lane Theatre, was coming on a visit. Wilkinson had opened the new Theatre Royal in York in 1770, and its reputation had grown since those early days. It was very often a place London impresarios such as Richard Brinsley Sheridan, or their agents, would come to seek out new talent. Gentleman Smith, as he was known, was in York because it was race week, but naturally everyone hoped to be noticed, perhaps even offered a contract. An opportunity to star at such a famous London theatre was every actor’s dream.I was playing in The Romp, and afterwards the gentleman himself came backstage to congratulate me on my performance. ‘You would do well at Drury Lane,’ he said, making me blush.‘I think you flatter me, sir.’‘Not at all. You are wasted here, touring the provinces. The capital is where you should be displaying such a rare talent.’Before I could answer, Wilkinson suddenly appeared at my elbow. ‘How kind of you, sir, to compliment my actors.
What do You think about The Duchess Of Drury Lane?
