Maria Gibbs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maria Gibbs
Mary (Maria) Gibbs as Selina
Born	Maria Logan c. 1770
Died	1850
Nationality	British
Occupation	Actress

Maria Gibbs (born around 1770) was a famous British actress. She performed on stage from 1783 to 1844. She was known for her amazing acting, especially in funny (comic) roles. Maria Gibbs became a very popular star in London theatres.

Early Life and Stage Debut

Maria was one of three sisters who became actors. Their father, who was Irish, worked in the theatre world. Her godfather, a famous actor named John Palmer, helped her start her acting career.

Maria made her first appearance on stage at the Haymarket Theatre on June 18, 1783. She played the character of Sally in a play called Man and Wife. This play was written by George Colman the Elder.

Rising to Stardom

After one season at the Haymarket, Maria joined John Palmer at the Royalty Theatre. This theatre was in Wellclose Square. On June 20, 1787, she performed as Mrs. Gibbs for the first time. She played Biddy in David Garrick's play Miss in her Teens.

At the Royalty Theatre, Mrs. Gibbs often played the main characters in serious pantomimes. These were plays that used music and gestures instead of words. She even appeared on stage as the Comic Muse, a character representing comedy.

Facing Challenges and New Roles

Maria's support for John Palmer upset other theatre managers. Because of this, they tried to stop her from getting roles. This was like a boycott.

But Maria continued her career. On June 15, 1793, she returned to the Haymarket Theatre. She played Bridget in The Chapter of Accidents by Sophia Lee. This was announced as her first time back at that theatre. Some people said she had also performed at Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres before this.

Working with George Colman the Younger

Maria Gibbs became very close with a writer named George Colman the Younger. He was known for writing many popular plays. It is believed that Colman wrote several famous roles especially for her.

Some of these special roles included:

• Cicely in The Heir at Law (first performed July 15, 1797)
• Annette in Blue Devils (first performed April 24, 1798)
• Grace Gaylove in The Review (first performed September 2, 1800)
• Mary in John Bull (first performed March 5, 1803)

Her Acting Style and Reputation

Maria Gibbs became very famous for her acting. People said she was as good as another great actress, Mrs. Jordan. She was especially praised for her roles in plays like Katherine and Petruchio and Miss Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer.

Even though she sometimes acted at Drury Lane and Covent Garden, the Haymarket Theatre was her main stage. In her later years, she played parts like Mrs. Candour and Miss Sterling in The Clandestine Marriage.

A theatre critic named Oxberry said Maria Gibbs had "genius, talent, and industry." He thought her performance as Curiosa in The Cabinet was one of the best comic acts ever. She was also great in roles like Nell in The Devil to Pay. People said she had a lively and joyful voice. Even though she wasn't a strong singer, her voice was very pleasant.

Maria was described as having a plump figure, light skin, and blue eyes. In 1800, a magazine called Monthly Mirror wrote that she was excellent at playing characters who were gentle and elegant.

Maria Gibbs was highly respected by other actors and people of her time. Many stories show that she was kind and generous. She often helped her fellow actresses.

Later Life and Legacy

After George Colman passed away in 1836, Maria Gibbs retired from acting. She lived quietly in Brighton. Maria Gibbs died at her home on June 6, 1850. She left some valuable jewelry to her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. She also left the rest of her money to her friend, Mary Ann Griesbach.