Spranger Barry facts for kids
Spranger Barry (born November 23, 1719 – died January 10, 1777) was a famous Irish actor. He was known for his powerful performances on stage in the 1700s.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Spranger Barry was born in Skinner's Row, Dublin, which is in Ireland. His father was a silversmith, someone who makes things out of silver. Spranger was trained to follow in his father's footsteps and took over the family business. However, he wasn't very successful as a silversmith.
Instead, he found his true calling in acting. His very first time on stage was at the Theatre Royal in Smock Alley, Dublin, on February 5, 1744. People loved his acting right away, and his performances made the theater much more popular.
Moving to London's Big Stages
Barry's first time acting in London, England, was in 1746. He played the character of Othello at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His amazing talent was quickly noticed by everyone. He even took turns with another very famous actor, David Garrick, playing lead roles in plays like Hamlet and Macbeth.
Barry became especially well-known for his role as Romeo in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. His success in this role made Garrick a bit jealous. Because of this, Barry decided to leave Drury Lane and move to the Covent Garden Theatre in 1750. He was joined by Mrs. Cibber, who often played Juliet to his Romeo.
The Great Romeo Rivalry
When Barry moved to Covent Garden, both theaters decided to put on Romeo and Juliet at the same time. This created a fun competition between the two theaters and their lead actors. Many critics and audience members thought Barry's Romeo was even better than Garrick's.
Later Career and Theaters
In 1758, Spranger Barry opened his own theater in Dublin called the Crow Street Theatre. He later opened another new theater, the Theatre Royal, in Cork. He put on many successful plays, but it seems he spent more money than he earned.
In 1767, he returned to London to act at the Haymarket Theatre. This theater was managed by another well-known figure, Foote.
Family and Final Years on Stage
In 1768, Spranger Barry married for the second time. His wife was the actress Mrs. Dancer (1734–1801), who became known as Mrs. Barry. Both Spranger and Mrs. Barry performed under David Garrick's management for a while. Barry appeared in Othello again in 1767, which was ten years after he had last performed in London. Othello was considered his greatest role.
In 1774, Spranger and Mrs. Barry moved to the Covent Garden Theatre, where he continued to act until he passed away.
Thomas Barry's Acting Career
Spranger Barry's son, Thomas Barry, also became an actor. He started performing at the Theatre in Cork in 1761. In 1766, Spranger left Thomas in charge of the theater. However, Thomas's management faced a lot of criticism in the newspapers. The next year, Thomas acted alongside his father at the Haymarket in London. Sadly, his career ended suddenly when he passed away. Spranger Barry is buried at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
Images for kids
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Spranger Barry (Irish school of the 18th century)
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Spranger Barry (left) as Romeo to Maria Isabella Nossiter's Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Covent Garden in 1759.
