Sarah Sparks facts for kids

Sarah Sparks (born Sarah Mills) was a famous British actress who lived from 1754 to 1837. She was known for her amazing comedy roles on stage. Sarah started acting when she was young and became one of the most important performers at a very famous theater in London called the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Sarah Mills was born into a family of actors. Her first known performance was in a town called Berwick in 1773. By 1776, she married another actor named Hugh Sparks.

From 1776 to 1794, Sarah and Hugh often performed at the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh. They also acted in other cities like Chester and Newcastle.

Becoming a Star in London

Sarah and her husband moved to London. She first appeared at the famous Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on October 26, 1797. Her first play there was The Old Maid.

For the next 23 years, Sarah Sparks was one of the best comedy actors at Drury Lane. While her husband's acting career slowed down, Sarah's became very successful. By 1818, she was earning ten pounds a week. That was a lot of money back then!

Hugh Sparks, her husband, passed away in 1816. Sarah kept acting until 1820. She then retired from the stage. The Drury Lane theater gave her a pension, which is like a regular payment after retirement. Another actress, Harriet Mellon, also gave Sarah an annuity, which is another type of regular payment.

Sarah Sparks died in Farnham in 1837. A newspaper called The Observer said she was "an excellent woman." They also said she was "one of the brightest ornaments of the national stage." This means she was a truly brilliant and important actress for her country.

Some of Her Stage Roles

Sarah Sparks played many different characters during her long career. Here are a few of them:

• Clarissa in Lionel and Clarissa (1774)
• Miss Harlow in The Old Maid (1797)
• Mrs Doublecharge in The Land We Live In (1804)
• Mrs Hartshorn in The Sailor's Daughter (1804)
• Mrs Bustle in Where to Find a Friend (1811)
• Lady Anemone in First Impressions (1813)
• Camilla in Rugantino (1820)