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Sarah Siddons |
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Roger Kemble
© Mary Evans Picture Library |
The performance at the King’s Head that dark evening in the yard at the back of the tavern was a family affair. The part of General Fairfax was taken by Roger Kemble, the leader of this travelling company; his wife Sally played Lady Fairfax. The Kembles’ three children were part of the cast too. Twelve-year-old Sarah took the part of the Princess Elizabeth; she also sang between the acts. John Philip, then only ten years of age, played James, the Duke of York (later King of England) and the youngest daughter Fanny was given the role of the Duke of Gloucester. Little did the spectators realize that they were witnessing the emergence of one of Britain’s greatest theatrical dynasties.
Strolling players produced most of the plays which spectators would have seen in towns like Worcester. The circuit played by Roger Kemble and his company was based around Warwickshire and Gloucestershire though it also extended as far north as Lancashire. Since most towns did not possess a permanent theatre, the players would rent buildings such as yards, barns and, if the authorities would give them permission, guildhalls.
The Guildhall, Worcester |
Often, travelling companies would arrange their visits to a particular town so as to coincide with major events such as fairs, races and meetings of the assizes (special courts). Later in the 18th Century, permanent theatres began to be established in provincial cities like Bristol, Norwich, Bath and York.
By 1779, Worcester had its own playhouse in Angel Street, built at a cost of £1000. During the eighteenth and early nineteenth century many famous names would appear there including members of the Kemble family, Dora Jordan and Edmund Kean.
In the eyes of respectable middle-class citizens, strolling players were synonymous with crime and immorality. The advertisement for Kemble’s company in Berrow’s Worcester Journal gives us some fascinating clues about the obstacles faced by travelling actors as they struggled to make a living.
Words: Dr Jane Moody
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