Francis Aickin facts for kids

Francis Aickin was a well-known Irish actor who lived a long time ago. He performed in many plays in Scotland and London, England, between 1765 and 1792. He was famous for his strong and dramatic acting style.

Francis Aickin first appeared on stage in London in 1765. He played a character named Dick Amlet in a play called The Confederacy. He acted at two very famous theatres: Drury Lane and Covent Garden. Over his career, he played more than eighty different characters! Some of his best roles were the Ghost in Hamlet and Jaques in As You Like It. Because he was so good at playing powerful, emotional characters, people sometimes called him "Tyrant Aickin."

Francis Aickin's Life Story

Francis Aickin was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was a weaver, and Francis was expected to follow in his footsteps. However, his younger brother, James Aickin, became an actor. Francis decided to do the same and started acting in small towns.

He later joined the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. After that, Francis Aickin shared the management of the Edinburgh Theatre in Scotland. This was before he moved to London to become a big star.

His first show in London was at Drury Lane theatre on May 17, 1765. He stayed with the Drury Lane Company until 1774. The next year, he moved to Covent Garden theatre. He performed there every year until 1792.

Francis Aickin also tried running a business selling socks in London. He even got some support from the Royal family! But he closed his shop in 1787 after his first wife passed away. Later, he managed the Liverpool Theatre, but it wasn't a huge success. He did, however, become more successful after marrying his second wife, who had a good income.

Francis Aickin played over eighty different characters during his career. Both he and his brother James were part of a group called the "School of Garrick." This was a club for actors who performed around the same time as the very famous actor, David Garrick.

Aickin's Acting Style

Francis Aickin was a good-looking actor with excellent judgment. His voice was strong and clear. He was so good at playing powerful, emotional characters in tragedies that people nicknamed him "Tyrant Aickin." However, in his private life, he was the complete opposite! He was known for being kind and a good friend.

He wasn't just good at serious roles. He was also great in the serious parts of comedies. For example, when he played Sir John Flowerdale in School for Fathers, his pleasant voice and clear way of speaking really helped the play.