Francis Aickin (died 1805), was an

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

actor, who worked at the Edinburgh Theatre in Scotland, and the between 1765 and 1792 in theatres in the West End of London. Francis Aickin first appeared in London in 1765 as Dick Amlet in

John Vanbrugh Sir John Vanbrugh (; 24 January 1664 (baptised) – 26 March 1726) was an English architect, dramatist and herald, perhaps best known as the designer of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. He wrote two argumentative and outspoken Restora ...

's ''

The Confederacy The Confederate States of America (CSA), commonly referred to as the Confederate States or the Confederacy was an List of historical unrecognized states and dependencies, unrecognized Secession in the United States, breakaway republic in the ...

'' at Drury Lane. He acted there, and at

Covent Garden Covent Garden is a district in London, on the eastern fringes of the West End, between St Martin's Lane and Drury Lane. It is associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, now a popular shopping and tourist si ...

, until 1792. His repertory consisted of over eighty characters, and among his best parts were the Ghost in ''Hamlet'' and Jaques in ''As You Like It''. His success in impassioned declamatory roles obtained for him the nickname of "Tyrant".

Biography

Francis Aickin was born in Dublin and brought up to the trade of his father, a weaver in that city; but, following the example of his younger brother,

James Aickin James Aickin (died 1803), was an Irish stage actor who worked at the Edinburgh Theatre in Scotland and in theatres in the West End of London. He was the younger brother of the actor Francis Aickin (died 1803) with whom he shared the stage at the ...

, he became a strolling player. Having appeared as George Barnwell and sustained other characters in various country towns, he joined the manager of the

Smock Alley Theatre Since the 17th century, there have been numerous theatres in Dublin with the name Smock Alley. The current Smock Alley Theatre () is a 21st-century theatre in Dublin, converted from a 19th-century church building, incorporating structural mat ...

, Dublin. Aickin the shared the management of the Edinburgh Theatre in Scotland's capital with Mr. John Jackson, before moving to London. He made his first appearance at

Drury Lane Drury Lane is a street on the eastern boundary of the Covent Garden area of London, running between Aldwych and High Holborn. The northern part is in the borough of Camden and the southern part in the City of Westminster. Notable landmarks ...

as Dick in ''

'' on 17 May 1765. He continued a member of the Drury Lane Company until the close of the season of 1773–1774. In the following year he carried his services to Covent Garden, and appeared there every year until the close of the season of 1791–1792. Aickin had commenced business as a hosier in York Street, Covent Garden, and obtained the patronage of certain members of the Royal family. He closed his shop in 1787 on the death of his first wife, an Irish lady of family and some fortune, and entered upon the management of the Liverpool Theatre. His success was not great, but he prospered by a second marriage with a widow dowered with £800 a year. Genest gives a list of upwards of eighty characters which Francis Aickin was accustomed to assume. Both Atckins and his brother James were members of the School of Garrick, a club composed of actors who were contemporaries of

David Garrick David Garrick (19 February 1717 – 20 January 1779) was an English actor, playwright, theatre manager and producer who influenced nearly all aspects of European theatrical practice throughout the 18th century, and was a pupil and friend of Sa ...

Assessment

He was of pleasing person, good judgement, his voice was sonorous and distinct, and from his success in the impassioned declamatory parts of tragedy he obtained the nickname of "Tyrant Aickin"—"a character in private life no man was more the reverse of, either in temper or the duties of friendship". Nor did all his merit lie in tragedy; in the serious parts of comedy, such as Sir John Flowerdale in the ''School for Fathers'', the pleasing harmony of his tones, and his precision of expression were of great service to the performance.

Notes

References

* * Endnotes:* Endnotes: **''Secret History of the

Green Room In show business, the green room is the space in a theatre or similar venue that functions as a waiting room and lounge for performers before, during, and after a performance or show when they are not engaged on stage. Green rooms typically have ...

s'', 1790 **''Thespian Dictionary'', 1805 **Genest's ''History of the Stage'', 1832 **Hitchcock's ''History of the Irish Stage'', 1794 {{DEFAULTSORT:Aickin, Francis Irish male stage actors Year of birth missing 18th-century births 1805 deaths Male actors from Dublin (city) Place of death missing 18th-century Irish male actors Irish emigrants to Great Britain