George Mattocks facts for kids
George Mattocks (1735–1804) was a famous British actor and singer. He was known for his roles in musical plays and comedies during the 1700s.
Contents
Early Acting Days
George Mattocks began his acting career as a child. In 1747, he performed at the Southwark Fair, and the next year, he appeared at the Bartholomew Fair. When he first started at the Drury Lane Theatre, his name was sometimes spelled George Maddox. He soon changed it to Mattocks. From 1749 to 1752, he was a regular actor at Drury Lane. He also performed at the Richmond Theatre during this time.
A Star at Covent Garden
After a few years away from the London stage, George Mattocks joined the Covent Garden Theatre company in 1757. He stayed there for 25 years! He was especially good in ballad operas and other musical shows. He also performed in comedies but rarely in serious tragedies. In 1762, he was a main performer in Thomas Arne's famous opera, Artaxerxes.
Theatre Management
George Mattocks also became involved in managing theatres. By 1760, he was a key helper for Madame Capte Deville, who ran a summer theatre company in Plymouth. A year later, he bought half of the Franfkford Gate Theatre in Plymouth. He managed this theatre until 1763. During this time, he hired several actors, including Isabella Hallam, who would later become his wife.
Family Life
In 1765, George Mattocks married the actress Isabella Hallam. She then became known as Isabella Mattocks. Isabella's guardians did not approve of the marriage. Because of this, George and Isabella decided to elope, which means they ran away to get married in France. In 1767, George Mattocks had his first acting performance in Liverpool at the Drury Lane Theatre.
Later Career and Legacy
One of George Mattocks's last roles at Covent Garden was in John O'Keeffe's play, The Castle of Andalusia, in 1782. He continued to tour around Britain during the summer months. He was especially well-known in Liverpool and later in Edinburgh. In Edinburgh, he became a stage director during his final years. Around 1784, he also helped manage the Theatre Royal Liverpool with Joseph Younger.
George Mattocks passed away in 1804 and was buried in Edinburgh.
