A Fairy Tale. In Two Acts: 'From our debate, from our dissention, We are their parents and original''

By David Garrick and George Colman the Elder

David Garrick was today’s equivalent of a celebrity actor who could also write, produce, manage, and all of it based on prodigious talents. His career dramatically changed the course of what acting was, introducing a realistic style that was quickly imitated by almost everyone.

With his talents as a director, writer and theatre management, together with an ear for what the fickle audience wanted, he helped the Drury Lane Theatre become, and remain, one of the leading theatres in Europe.

His adaptations of Shakespeare were very well regarded, and his own original writing also found an audience. In addition, he adapted many older plays in the theatrical repertoire that were slipping into insignificance. These included many from the Restoration era. In essence while influencing the theatre towards a higher standard he also gained am enhanced reputation for theatre people and their careers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stage Door
• Release date: Nov 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781839671593

Book preview

A Fairy Tale by George Colman the Elder & David Garrick

IN TWO ACTS. TAKEN FROM SHAKESPEARE

As it is Performed at the THEATRE-ROYAL In DRURY-LANE, LONDON

George Colman was born in Florence, Italy, in April 1732.  His father died whilst he was still an infant.

Colman attended a private school in Marylebone before being sent to Westminster School. From there it was Christ Church, Oxford. In 1755 Colman entered Lincoln's Inn and was called to the bar in 1757. Despite a friendship forming with David Garrick and the promise of a literary career Colman decided he would continue to also practice law, although he wrote in his spare time.

In 1760, Colman produced his first play, ‘Polly Honeycomb’. It was a great success.  In 1761, he followed up with ‘The Jealous Wife’. It made Colman famous.

In 1764 he received a substantial inheritance and was now financially secure. He would now work solely on literature.

In 1765, his metrical translation of the six plays of Terence was published. The following year, 1766, in partnership with David Garrick, came another success: ‘The Clandestine Marriage’.

With the arrival of 1767 Colman decided to acquire a quarter share in the Covent Garden Theatre. His instincts as a theatrical impresario were sound. As well as part-owner he was also the acting manager for seven years during which he produced several ‘adapted’ plays of Shakespeare. He also directed the premiere of ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ in 1773.

George Colman suffered badly from attacks of paralysis in 1785 and his health became both failing and a burden. By 1789 his brain had become affected, and he died on 14th August 1794.

David Garrick was today’s equivalent of a celebrity actor who could also write, produce, manage, and all of it based on prodigious talents.  His career dramatically changed the course of what acting was, introducing a realistic style that was quickly imitated by almost everyone.

With his talents as a director, writer and theatre management, together with an ear for what the fickle audience wanted, he helped the Drury Lane Theatre become, and remain, one of the leading theatres in Europe.

His adaptations of