Sarah Hamilton (actress) facts for kids

Sarah Hamilton was a talented Irish actress and singer from the 1700s. She performed on stage in plays and operas. She was known for her skills in both funny comedies and serious tragedies.

A Life on Stage

Early Life and Family Connections

Sarah Hamilton was born into the Lydall family, who were well-known actors in Dublin, Ireland. Her sister, Anna Marcella Lydall, also became a famous actress. Anna moved to England and gained fame after marrying Henry Giffard, who was also involved in theatre.

Sarah herself started her acting career in Dublin. She performed for many years at the Smock Alley Theatre. She often acted alongside her husband, whose last name was Hamilton. Because of this, she was known on stage as Mrs Hamilton.

Moving to London and New Roles

In 1732, Sarah Hamilton made her first appearance in London, England. She performed at the Goodman's Fields Theatre. This theatre was run by her brother-in-law, Henry Giffard. Her first play there was called The Beaux Stratagem.

Sarah was especially good at acting in comedies. These are plays designed to make people laugh. However, she also took on more serious parts in tragedies. Tragedies are plays that often have sad or dramatic endings.

Playing Colombine and Facing Challenges

From 1734, Sarah started playing a special character called colombine. Colombine is a lively and clever character often seen in a type of theatre called commedia dell'arte. She first played this role in an opera called Britannia. This opera was written by John Frederick Lampe and performed at the King's Theatre in Haymarket.

In 1737, Sarah and her husband moved with Henry Giffard to the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. They started there by performing in a play called King Arthur.

However, a new rule called the Licensing Act 1737 made things difficult for actors. This law limited where plays could be performed. It greatly affected the careers of many theatre families, including Sarah's. After a short time at the Drury Lane theatre, Sarah and her husband returned to the Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. Later, they spent many years acting in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Her Children in Theatre

Sarah Hamilton had at least five children who followed in her footsteps. They also became actors and actresses. Two of her sons, James and William Hamilton, were among them.