Theophilus Keene facts for kids
Theophilus Keene (1680–1718) was a famous actor and theatre manager from England and Ireland. He was known for his performances on stage and for helping to run one of London's biggest theatres during his time.
The Life of Theophilus Keene
Theophilus Keene grew up in a Presbyterian family. He started his acting career in Dublin, Ireland, at a theatre called the Smock Alley Theatre. This was a popular place for plays at the time.
In 1704, Keene moved from Ireland to London, England. He joined a group of actors at the Drury Lane Theatre. He performed there for many years, becoming a well-known face on the London stage until 1714.
Later, in 1717, Theophilus Keene took on a new challenge. He became a manager of the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre alongside another actor named Christopher Bullock. This theatre was one of the two main "patent theatres" in London at the time, meaning it had a special license to put on plays. Keene and Bullock managed the theatre for one season. They took over from John Rich, who was having financial difficulties.
Sadly, Theophilus Keene died in 1718 after he fell from his horse while riding in the countryside. After his death, a book about his life was written by Richard Savage. It was called Memoirs of the Life of Mr. Theophilus Keene.
Plays Theophilus Keene Appeared In
Theophilus Keene played many different characters during his acting career. Here are some of the roles he was known for:
- Balance in The Recruiting Officer by George Farquhar (1706)
- Rodogune in The Royal Convert by Nicholas Rowe (1707)
- Memnon in The Persian Princess by Lewis Theobald (1708)
- Priscian in The Rival Fools by Colley Cibber (1709)
- Claudius in Appius and Virginia by John Dennis (1709)
- De Sale in The Successful Pyrate by Charles Johnson (1712)
- Lucius in Cato, a Tragedy by Joseph Addison (1713)
- Ulysses in The Victim by Charles Johnson (1714)
- Colonel Winfield in The Doating Lovers by Newburgh Hamilton (1715)
- Sebatian in The Perfidious Brother by Lewis Theobald (1716)
- Winwife in The Artful Husband by William Taverner (1717)
