The Old Showmen and the Old London FairsFrost, Thomas
History
The Old Showmen and the Old London Fairs
Frost, Thomas
Fairs -- England -- London; London (England) -- Social life and customs
Bullock and Simpson, the former an actor of some celebrity at Drury Lane,
joined Penkethman this year in a show at Bartholomew Fair, in which
_Jephtha's Rash Vow_ was performed, Penkethman playing the part of Toby,
and Bullock that of Ezekiel. Bullock is described in the pamphlet
attributed to Gildon as "the best comedian who has trod the stage since
Nokes and Leigh, and a fellow that has a very humble opinion of himself."
So much modesty must have made him a _rara avis_ among actors, who have,
as a rule, a very exalted opinion of themselves. He had been six years on
the stage at this time, having made his first appearance in 1696, at Drury
Lane, as Sly in _Love's Last Shift_. His ability was soon recognised; and
in the same year he played Sir Morgan Blunder in _The Younger Brother_,
and Shuffle in _The Cornish Comedy_. Parker and Doggett also had a booth
this year at the same fair, playing _Bateman; or, the Unhappy Marriage_,
with the latter comedian in the part of Sparrow.
Penkethman at this time, from his salary as an actor at Drury Lane, his
gains from attending Bartholomew and Southwark Fairs with his show, and
the profits of the Richmond Theatre, which he either owned or leased, was
in the receipt of a considerable income. "He is the darling of
Fortunatus," says Downes, writing in 1708, "and has gained more in
theatres and fairs in twelve years than those who have tugged at the oar
of acting these fifty." He did not retire from the stage, however, until
1724.
Some of the minor shows of this period must now be noticed. A bill of this
time--the date cannot always be fixed--invites the visitors to Bartholomew
Fair to witness "the wonderful performances of that most celebrated
master Simpson, the famous vaulter, who being lately arrived from Italy,
will show the world what vaulting is." The chroniclers of the period have
not preserved any record, save this bill, of this not too modest
performer. A more famous entertainer was Clench, a native of Barnet, whose
advertisements state that he "imitates horses, huntsmen, and a pack of
hounds, a doctor, an old woman, a drunken man, bells, the flute, and the
organ, with three voices, by his own natural voice, to the greatest
perfection," and that he was "the only man that could ever attain so great
an art." He had a rival, however, in the whistling man, mentioned in the
'Spectator,' who was noted for imitating the notes of all kinds of birds.
Clench attended all the fairs in and around London, and at other times
gave his performance at the corner of Bartholomew Lane, behind the old
Exchange.
To this period also belongs the following curious announcement of "a
collection of strange and wonderful creatures from most parts of the
world, all alive," to be seen over against the Mews Gate, Charing Cross,
by her Majesty's permission.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account