John Leigh (18th-century actor) facts for kids
John Leigh (1689–1726) was a talented actor and writer from Ireland. He became famous for his performances on stage in both Dublin and London during the early 1700s. He even wrote some plays himself!
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John Leigh's Acting Life
Starting in Dublin
John Leigh began his acting journey in Dublin, Ireland. In 1714, he played a character named Demetrius in a play called Timon of Athens. This play was shown at the famous Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin.
Moving to London's Big Stage
Soon, a well-known theater producer named John Rich noticed John Leigh's talent. Rich invited Leigh to act in London, at a brand new theater called Lincoln's Inn Fields. On the very first night this theater opened, December 18, 1714, John Leigh was on stage! He played Captain Plume in a popular play called The Recruiting Officer.
John Leigh stayed at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre for the rest of his acting career, until he passed away. He even got to play some brand new characters that had never been seen before. His last known role was Phorbas in a play called Œdipus on April 14, 1726.
Writing His Own Plays
Besides acting, John Leigh was also a playwright, meaning he wrote plays!
On November 26, 1719, one of his own comedies, The Pretenders, was performed. Its original title was Kensington Garden, or the Pretenders. This play was shown about seven times. Leigh dedicated it to Lord Brooke, who was an early supporter of the theater.
On January 11, 1720, a new short comedy (called a farce) by Leigh, Hob's Wedding, was performed for the first time. It was shown six times. As the author, Leigh received extra payments (called "benefits") on the third and fifth nights it was performed. This play was a shorter version of scenes from another play called Country Wake.
Nickname and Later Career
John Leigh was known as "Handsome Leigh" because of his good looks. He was very popular when he first started acting in London. However, after other talented actors like Lacy Ryan and Thomas Walker joined the theater company, Leigh's roles became less central.
John Leigh passed away in 1726.
