"...uncommonly powerful, but not so melodious..."

[anteros_lmc]

David Garrick as Richard III. (Not Captain Fearon!)

Earlier this week the British Library's fabulous Untold Lives blog posted a charming little article about Captain James Peter Fearon, an East India Company captain who performed the title role in Richard III at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 17 January 1803.

Captain Fearon’s theatrical debut as Richard III was well-received by the large number of sailors in the audience and by the press. He gave the performance twice more in January. The Monthly Mirror believed that he could have a stage career as there was "much genius" in his performance notwithstanding the blemishes. His voice was described as "uncommonly powerful, but not so melodious" and he was praised for his "freedom of deportment, confidence, feeling, and unabating spirit". However Fearon was criticised for hurrying through many of the most significant soliloquies as if he did not understand their meaning: "He appears, throughout, to be running a race with the character, and frequently gets the start of it". The Morning Post wrote that the Captain’s face was capable of very little variety of expression, yet he had the great recommendation of being no imitator but a truly original Richard.

Captain Fearnon sounds rather splendid doesn't he? I wonder what Archie would have made of him? Or indeed George Cadogan, who seems to have had something of a theatrical bent.

You can read more about Captain Fearnon here: A truly original Richard III

Comments

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Now, if the crew of the Indy did Dicky III, Horatio would have to be the man himself and Archie could be Lady Anne.

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

thats an idea - was going to mention others but think am inspired to a quick parallel post - so nippimg out from this comment to do just that

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

Ooh. Intriguing!

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

Typically quick parallel post has developed into mornings research project and picture search - but coming soon!

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

Meant to say -how fascinating - truly a differnt on shore occupation for one of HM Navy's own.
Mind you there was enough intrigue and desire, jealousy and courage in there (the navy)to stir up Shakesperian lengths of poetry !

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Not a navy captain though, a company man! Which just goes to prove the point that Stephen Taylor makes in Storm and Conquest, that the East India Company captains were remarkable men who's lives and experiences are sadly all but lost now.