Kemble Family
At the turn of the 19th century the Kemble family dominated the London stage. Actor John Philip Kemble was said to be the finest actor in
England and his sister Sarah Siddons was regarded as one of the greatest ever tragedians. Their parents had been strolling
players and John had earned a similar living on the road and in provincial theatres. Their younger brother Charles Kemble
and his daughter Fanny were later stars of the London stage in the 1820s.
Sarah Siddons was first introduced to David Garrick, when nearing the end of his career. He brought her to London in 1775, but she failed to make an immediate impression
on the public.
Siddons returned to London six years later, with Drury Lane under the management of playwright Richard Sheridan. She played 80 times in seven different parts in
her first proper London season, inducing faintings and hysterics amongst her audiences.
John Philip Kemble made his debut on the London stage in 1783 as Hamlet. His acting style was static and declamatory, with long sweeping lines and a detached grandeur.
He excelled in tragic Shakespearean roles. One critic said he was ‘absolutely electrified’ by the actor’s transition as Romeo from gallant lover to anguished
avenger, and Kemble’s style became the style of London for three decades. However he was not a natural comedian or suited to romantic leads.
The first of a long line of 19th century actor-managers, Kemble took over management of Covent Garden in 1803, but his tenure was not a happy one. The theatre burnt down
in 1808 and when it was rebuilt the following year Kemble raised prices to cover costs resulting in the now infamous Old Price Riots.
Introduction
The Old Price Riots
