James Aickin facts for kids

James Aickin (died 1803) was an Irish stage actor. He performed in plays at the Edinburgh Theatre in Scotland and later in famous theatres in London.

James was the younger brother of another actor, Francis Aickin (who also died in 1803). They acted together at the Edinburgh Theatre. However, James upset the audience there when he spoke up for a fellow actor who had been fired. Because of this, he moved to London. From 1767 to 1800, he was a member of the famous Drury Lane Company. For some years, he even helped manage the theatre. He once had a disagreement with John Philip Kemble, another actor, which led to a "bloodless duel" in 1792.

Early Life and Acting Career

James Aickin, like his older brother Francis Aickin, was first trained to be a weaver. But he soon found his passion for acting. He joined a group of actors who traveled around Ireland, performing plays. This gave him his first experience on stage.

After gaining some skills, James traveled to Scotland. He got a job at the Edinburgh Theatre. People really liked his acting, and he became very popular. Because he was a good actor and a sensible person in his private life, he eventually became the leader of the Canongate Company. He played many of the main characters in both serious plays (tragedies) and funny plays (comedies).

Trouble in Edinburgh

In January 1767, a big problem happened at the Edinburgh Theatre. The theatre managers had fired an actor named Stanley. Stanley wasn't a very good actor, but some people in the audience really liked him. This made a part of the audience very angry.

The angry crowd caused a riot inside the theatre. They broke furniture and destroyed things. Soldiers from Edinburgh Castle had to come and help the city police. They finally managed to make the rioters leave and saved the theatre from more damage.

James Aickin had particularly upset the rioters because he supported the theatre's decision. So, he decided to leave Edinburgh.

Life in London Theatres

After leaving Edinburgh, James Aickin got a job at the famous Drury Lane theatre in London. He first appeared there in December 1767. His first role was Colonel Camply in a comedy called The Widowed Wife by Kenrick.

James stayed with the Drury Lane company until he retired in 1800. Sometimes, he also performed at the Haymarket Theatre during the summer months. For several years, he was one of the deputy managers at Drury Lane. People thought he was a helpful and pleasant actor. He was known for being easy, graceful, and natural in his acting style. It was said that "His strength was playing an honest manager or a loving parent."

Boaden, a writer, said that James Aickin had "the sweetest" voice. However, he also mentioned that James could sometimes be a bit grumpy.

A Disagreement and a Duel

In 1792, James Aickin became upset with some of the decisions made by John Philip Kemble, who was the manager at Drury Lane. James was rude to Kemble and challenged him to a duel.

The two actors met in a field in Marylebone. Another actor, Charles Bannister, helped them by acting as a second for both of them. James Aickin fired his pistol, but luckily, he missed Kemble. Kemble then chose not to fire his pistol back. After this, they made up and became friends again. Kemble later explained that he knew he was not in danger because of how Aickin aimed his shot.