Edmund John Eyre facts for kids

Edmund John Eyre (1767–1816) was an English actor and a writer of plays. He was known for performing in many theatres across Britain and for writing several dramatic works.

Early Life and Education

Edmund John Eyre was born on May 20, 1767. His parents were Mary (née Underwood) and the Reverend Ambrose Eyre. His father was a rector, which is a type of church leader. Edmund had two brothers and four sisters.

When he was ten years old, he started attending Merchant Taylors' School. Later, in 1785, he received a scholarship to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge University. However, he decided to leave the university before finishing his degree. He chose to join a theatre group instead, starting his career as an actor.

A Career on Stage

Edmund John Eyre was a busy actor and playwright. He performed in many plays and wrote several of his own.

His first play, a funny show called The Dreamer Awake; or, Pugilist Matched, was performed in 1791. It was shown at Covent Garden, a famous theatre in London. The play's dedication mentioned that Eyre had spent some time in Jamaica. He also performed in theatres in Shrewsbury, Worcester, and Wolverhampton.

In 1794, his serious play The Maid of Normandy; or, The Death of the Queen of France was performed in Dublin, Ireland. He often acted alongside his wife, Elizabeth. For example, in 1796, they both performed in The Merchant of Venice at the Gloucester Theatre. Edmund played Antonio, and his wife played Nerissa.

Another of his plays, a dramatic story called The Fatal Sister; or, The Castle of the Forest, was published in 1797.

Performing in Famous Theatres

Edmund Eyre's career continued to grow. In 1800, a special show was held for him at the Theatre Royal Bath. He also wrote and spoke a new speech for the event.

His play The Caffrees; or, Buried Alive was performed at Covent Garden in 1802. He also wrote a book in 1804 about his observations while visiting France.

Eyre performed in many well-known plays. In 1805, he acted in George Barnwell and The School of Reform; or, How to rule a Husband at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. He also played Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Baron Steinfort in The Stranger.

In 1806, he made his first appearance at the famous Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. He played Jaques in As You Like It. He also took on roles like Captain Dudley in The West Indian and Barnwell in George Barnwell. In 1807, he performed with the famous actress Mrs Siddons in Pizarro.

His wife also began performing at Drury Lane in 1808. She was praised for her good looks and pleasant voice. Eyre continued to perform in many plays, including Venoni: or, The Novice of St Mark's and Love for Love. In 1809, he played Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet.

Later, in 1809, Mr. and Mrs. Eyre joined the Haymarket company. They performed together in plays like The Soldier's Daughter and The Foundling of the Forest.

Later Career and Writings

In 1810, Eyre's play High Life in the City was performed at the Haymarket. He also wrote The Lady of the Lake, a play based on Sir Walter Scott's poem, which was performed in Edinburgh in 1811.

Towards the end of his life, Edmund John Eyre faced some financial challenges. However, he continued to write and perform. His play The Savage Chieftain: or, Buried Alive was staged in 1814.

People described Eyre as a "respectable" actor, meaning he was good at his job, even if he wasn't the most famous. He passed away on April 11, 1816. He left behind his wife and several children. After his death, Mrs. Siddons, the famous actress, held a special performance to help his family.

Edmund John Eyre's Writings

Edmund John Eyre wrote several plays and some poems. Here are some of his notable works:

• The Dreamer Awake (a funny play), 1791.
• Maid of Normandy (a serious play), 1793.
• Consequences (a comedy), 1794.
• The Fatal Sisters (a dramatic reading), 1797.
• The Discarded Secretary (a historical play), 1799.
• The Tears of Britain, or Funeral of Lord Nelson (a short dramatic piece), 1805.
• Vintagers (a musical drama), 1809.
• High Life in the City (a comedy), 1810.
• The Lady of the Lake (a musical drama based on a poem), 1811.
• Look at Home, 1812.