John Sowdon facts for kids
John Sowdon (died 1789) was an Irish stage actor, singer, and theatre manager. He lived and worked in the 1700s. He was known for his performances on stage and for helping to run theatres.
Early Acting Days
John Sowdon probably started his acting career in London. His first known performance was at the Covent Garden Theatre on December 4, 1747. He played the character Pierce in a play called Venice Preserved.
A year later, he acted in famous plays like Othello and Richard III. From 1748 to 1752, he was part of the acting group at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.
Theatre Manager in Ireland
After his time in London, Sowdon moved to Dublin, Ireland. He joined the Smock Alley Theatre, which was a very important theatre there. He hoped to become a manager of the theatre.
For a short time, he did manage the theatre with Benjamin Victor. This happened after Thomas Sheridan, another theatre manager, left for England. During this period, Sowdon was especially famous for playing the lead role in Othello.
In 1758, he sold his part of the Smock Alley Theatre to Spranger Barry. Sowdon then performed at the Crow Street Theatre. His last season in Dublin was in 1762. Later that year, he acted at the Theatre Royal, Cork in Cork.
Later Career
In 1767, John Sowdon joined Samuel Foote's acting group at the Haymarket Theatre in London. He stayed with this group for three years. His last known performance was in 1771 at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh in Scotland.
Famous Roles
John Sowdon played many different characters during his career. Here are some of his well-known roles:
- Othello in Othello (1748)
- Banquo in Macbeth (1748)
- Tamerlane in Tamerlane (1748)
- Mustapha in Irene (1749)
- Tullius Hostilius in The Roman Father (1750)
- King John in Edward the Black Prince (1750)
- Gloster in Jane Shore (1750)
- Don Gabriel in Gil Blas (1751)
- Sir Jacob in The Mayor of Garret (1767)
- Grey in The Countess of Salisbury (1767)
- Friendly in Doctor Last in his Chariot (1769)
