Mrs Rock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mrs Rock
by Samuel De Wilde
Born	Miss Essex
Died	1779 or after
Nationality	Kingdom of Great Britain
Other names	Mrs Edward Anthony Rock
Occupation	actor
Known for	playing chambermaids
Spouse(s)	Edward Anthony Rock

Mrs Rock, also known as Miss Essex, was a British actress who lived a long time ago. She performed in London's best theatres. Even though some people said her acting wasn't great, there's a famous painting of her at the Garrick Club. She was known for playing characters like chambermaids.

Mrs Rock's Acting Career

Mrs Rock, then known as Miss Essex, first appeared on stage in 1779. She performed in a play called The Contract at the Haymarket Theatre.

Performing in London

In December 1787, she returned to London's big stages. She performed at the Covent Garden Theatre. By this time, she was married to Edward Anthony Rock and used his name. She played the role of Columbine in a pantomime on Boxing Day.

At first, Mrs Rock earned 75 shillings a week. Her husband, who was also an actor, earned less. However, she often received poor reviews for her acting. Because of this, her salary was later lowered to 30 shillings a week.

Her Famous Portrait

On July 16, 1790, Mrs Rock appeared in a play called She Would and She Would Not. This play was by Colley Cibber and was performed at Covent Garden.

There is a painting of her by Samuel De Wilde that shows her playing the character Viletta from this play. However, the Garrick Club says she never actually played Viletta in London. She did play another character, Rosa, but only for one night. The painting was later made into an engraving and published.

Mrs Rock is thought to have passed away around 1793. Her husband continued acting until 1815.

Images for kids

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  Edward Anthony Rock, Mrs Rock's husband, in 1792.