Tate Wilkinson facts for kids
Tate Wilkinson (born October 27, 1739 – died November 16, 1803) was a well-known English actor and theatre manager. He was famous for his amazing talent at copying other people.
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The Life of Tate Wilkinson
Early Days and His Special Talent
Tate Wilkinson was the son of a clergyman. He went to a school called Harrow.
When he first tried acting, people did not like his performances much. However, he had a special gift: he could perfectly copy how other actors spoke and moved. This skill made him very successful. But, his imitations sometimes made important actors and managers angry. This was especially true when he copied them! Famous actors like David Garrick and Peg Woffington were amused by his copies of others. But they got very upset when he copied them. Some even said they would never forgive him. David Garrick never did.
As an actor, Wilkinson was best at plays by Samuel Foote. But he acted in many different roles. He was very popular in country areas when he performed characters from Shakespeare's plays.
Becoming a Theatre Manager
In 1766, Tate Wilkinson became a business partner with Joseph Baker. Together, they managed several theatres in Yorkshire. Wilkinson got married around 1768. After Baker passed away in 1770, Wilkinson became the only manager. He managed many theatres on what was called the "Yorkshire Circuit." He was known for being fair and successful.
The Theatre, Leeds, which was built for him in 1771, was part of his theatre circuit. In 1769, he also took over the York Theatre Royal. He even lived there! A picture was made of him acting as a character called Mr. Popeseye. You can find copies of this picture in the York City Archive. Wilkinson managed his theatres very well for over 30 years. People knew him for his unique personality, but he was a kind manager.
Actors in Wilkinson's Company
Tate Wilkinson worked with many talented actors in his theatre company. Some of them became very famous. Here are a few actors who performed with him:
- Miss Farren
- Bridge Frodsham
- Julia Glover
- Dorothea Jordan (who performed with him from 1782 to 1785)
- Elizabeth Satchell
- Mrs. Siddons and other members of the Kemble family
- Dicky Suett
