Elizabeth Bannister facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Elizabeth Bannister
A pastel portrait by John Russell
Born	Elizabeth Harpur 1757
Died	1849 St Giles

Elizabeth Bannister (born Elizabeth Harpur, 1757–1849) was a talented British actress and singer. She was well-known in her time for her beautiful voice and her skill at playing the guitar.

The Life of Elizabeth Bannister

Elizabeth Harpur was born in 1757. She came from a family with some famous members. Her uncles included Francis Rundell, a successful actor, and Philip Rundell, a rich goldsmith. Her aunt, Maria Eliza Rundell, wrote early cookbooks. However, Elizabeth's own mother, Mrs. Harpur, was an entertainer who had been disowned by her family.

Early Career and Talents

In 1777, Elizabeth began singing at Marylebone Gardens. It was a popular place for performances. By chance, Charles Bannister, whose son she would later marry, was also performing there. The next year, she moved to the Haymarket Theatre. This theatre was run by George Colman the Elder.

Elizabeth was famous for her singing and guitar playing. In 1778, she also acted in plays. She played Polly in The Beggar's Opera and Eliza in The Flitch of Bacon. In 1779, she took on the role of Rosina in Colman's play, The Spanish Barber. This play was based on a French story.

Elizabeth was a very popular performer. She earned high salaries, sometimes as much as £12 a week. She also signed contracts worth "one thousand pounds." This was a lot of money back then! She was the main singer at the Haymarket Theatre. Other talented singers like Margaret Martyr and Giovanna Sestini supported her.

Marriage and Family Life

On January 26, 1783, Elizabeth married John Bannister. He was the son of Charles Bannister, whom she had met earlier. John was also a very skilled and successful actor. He was worried about another rising actor, John Philip Kemble. To help John compete, Elizabeth taught him how to sing.

Elizabeth and John had four daughters together. In 1792, Elizabeth decided to stop acting. She wanted to focus on raising her family.

Later Years

In 1799, a famous painter named John Russell created a pastel portrait of Elizabeth. It showed her playing her guitar. This painting can now be seen in the National Portrait Gallery. In 1827, she traveled to Paris with her husband while he was on tour.

Elizabeth Bannister passed away on January 15, 1849. She was a widow at the time. She died at her home in St Giles, Middlesex, and was buried next to her husband.