Thomas Walker (1698–1744) was an English actor and dramatist. Thomas Walker Faber

Early life

He was the son of Francis Walker of

Soho, London Soho is an area of the City of Westminster, part of the West End of London. Originally a fashionable district for the aristocracy, it has been one of the main entertainment districts in the capital since the 19th century. The area was develo ...

. At around the year 1714, he joined the Shepherd's company (perhaps the Shepherd who was at

William Pinkethman William Pinkethman(also Penkethman, Pinkeman, Pinkerman, etc.; nicknamed Pinkey) (c.1660–1725) was an English comic actor, a low comedian with a droll style, and theatre manager. He was considered an imitator of Anthony Leigh. Starting in th ...

's theatre in

Greenwich Greenwich ( , ,) is a town in south-east London, England, within the ceremonial county of Greater London. It is situated east-southeast of Charing Cross. Greenwich is notable for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich ...

in 1710).

Barton Booth Barton Booth (168210 May 1733) was one of the most famous dramatic actors of the first part of the 18th century. Early life Booth was the son of The Hon and Very Revd Dr Robert Booth (priest), Robert Booth, Dean of Bristol, by his first wife ...

saw Walker in a

droll A droll is a short comical sketch of a type that originated during the Puritan Interregnum in England. With the closure of the theatres, actors were left without any way of plying their art. Borrowing scenes from well-known plays of the Elizab ...

, ''The Siege of Troy'', and recommended him to the management of the

Drury Lane Theatre The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane, is a West End theatre and Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, London, England. The building faces Catherine Street (earlier named Bridges or Brydges Street) and backs onto Drur ...

Actor

In November 1715 Walker seems to have played Tyrrel in

Colley Cibber Colley Cibber (6 November 1671 – 11 December 1757) was an English actor-manager, playwright and Poet Laureate. His colourful memoir ''Apology for the Life of Colley Cibber'' (1740) describes his life in a personal, anecdotal and even rambling ...

's ''Richard III''; on 12 December 1715 he was Young Fashion in a revival of ''The Relapse'' (

John Vanburgh 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 ...

). On 23 September 1721 he appeared at Lincoln's Inn Fields as Edmund in ''

King Lear ''King Lear'' is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between two of his daughters. He becomes destitute and insane an ...

'', and he remained there until 1733. On 29 January 1728 Walker took on his major original part, Captain Macheath in the ''

Beggar's Opera ''The Beggar's Opera'' is a ballad opera in three acts written in 1728 by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. It is one of the watershed plays in Augustan drama and is the only example of the once thriving genre of sat ...

'', and his reputation was established. On 10 February 1733, at the new

Covent Garden Theatre The Royal Opera House (ROH) is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply Covent Garden, after a previous use of the site. It is the home of The Royal Op ...

, Walker was the first Periphas in

John Gay John Gay (30 June 1685 – 4 December 1732) was an English poet and dramatist and member of the Scriblerus Club. He is best remembered for ''The Beggar's Opera'' (1728), a ballad opera. The characters, including Captain Macheath and Polly Peac ...

's ''Achilles''.At this house he played Lothario, Banquo, Hector in Dryden's ''

Troilus and Cressida ''Troilus and Cressida'' ( or ) is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1602. At Troy during the Trojan War, Troilus and Cressida begin a love affair. Cressida is forced to leave Troy to join her father in the Greek camp. Meanwh ...

'', Angelo in ''

Measure for Measure ''Measure for Measure'' is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604 and first performed in 1604, according to available records. It was published in the ''First Folio'' of 1623. The play's plot features its ...

'', Sempronius in ''Cato'', Lord Morelove in ''

The Careless Husband ''The Carless Husband'' is a comedy play by the English writer Colley Cibber. It premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on 7 December 1704. The original cast featured Cibber as Lord Foppington, George Powell as Lord Morelove, Robert Wilks as ...

'' (Colley Cibber), Timon, Carlos in ''The Fatal Marriage'' (Thomas Southerne), the King in ''

The Mourning Bride ''The Mourning Bride'' is a tragedy written by British playwright William Congreve. It premiered in 1697 in literature, 1697 at Betterton's Co., Lincoln's Inn Fields. The play centers on Zara, a queen held captive by Manuel, King of Granada, an ...

'', Ghost in ''Hamlet'', Fainall in ''

The Way of the World ''The Way of the World'' is a play written by the English playwright William Congreve. It premiered in early March 1700 in the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London. It is widely regarded as one of the best Restoration comedies and is stil ...

'', Colonel Briton, Bajazet, Henry VI in ''Richard III'', Young Rakish in ''The School Boy'' (Colley Cibber), Falconbridge, Dolabella in '' All for Love'', Horatio in ''

The Fair Penitent ''The Fair Penitent'' is Nicholas Rowe's stage adaptation of the tragedy ''The Fatal Dowry,'' the Philip Massinger and Nathan Field collaboration first published in 1632. Rowe's adaptation, premiered onstage in 1702 and first published in 1703, ...

'', Norfolk in ''Richard II'', Marcian in ''Theodosius'' (Nat Lee), Kite in ''The Recruiting Officer'', and Scandal in ''

Love for Love ''Love for Love'' is a Restoration comedy written by British playwright William Congreve. It premiered on 30 April 1695 at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. Staged by Thomas Betterton's company the original cast included Betterton as Valenti ...

''. The last part in which he is mentioned at Covent Garden is Ambrosio in ''Don Quixote'', which he played on 17 May 1739. In 1739–40 he seems to have been resting, but he played, 17 May 1740, Macheath for his benefit at Drury Lane. In 1740–41 he was seen in many of his major parts at

Goodman's Fields Theatre Two 18th century theatres bearing the name Goodman's Fields Theatre were located on Alie Street, Whitechapel, London. The first opened on 31 October 1727 in a small shop by Thomas Odell, deputy Licenser of Plays. The first play performed was G ...

. But after

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 ...

's arrival at Goodman's Fields in 1741, Walker's name was taken from the bills and did not reappear until 27 May 1742, when the ''Beggar's Opera'' and the ''Virgin Unmasked'' (

Henry Fielding Henry Fielding (22 April 1707 – 8 October 1754) was an English novelist, irony writer, and dramatist known for earthy humour and satire. His comic novel '' Tom Jones'' is still widely appreciated. He and Samuel Richardson are seen as founders ...

) were given for his benefit. He seems to have played in Dublin in 1742 as Kite in ''

The Recruiting Officer ''The Recruiting Officer'' is a 1706 play by the Irish writer George Farquhar, which follows the social and sexual exploits of two officers, the womanising Plume and the cowardly Brazen, in the town of Shrewsbury (the town where Farquhar himse ...

'', with Garrick as Plume. Walker's best serious parts were thought to be Bajazet, Hotspur, Edmund, and Falconbridge; in comedy he was best received as Worthy in the ''Recruiting Officer'', Bellmour in the ''Old Bachelor'', and Harcourt in ''The Country Girl'' (Garrick, after Wycherley).

Dramatist

Walker's first dramatic effort was to compressing into one play the two parts of

Thomas D'Urfey Thomas d'Urfey (a.k.a. Tom Durfey; 165326 February 1723) was an English writer and wit. He wrote plays, songs, jokes, and poems. He was an important innovator and contributor in the evolution of the ballad opera. Life D'Urfey was born in Devonsh ...

's ''Massaniello''. This work was produced at Lincoln's Inn Fields, 31 July 1724, with Walker as Massaniello. The ''Quaker's Opera'', 1728, an imitation by Walker of the ''Beggar's Opera'', was acted at Lee and Harper's booth in

Bartholomew Fair The Bartholomew Fair was one of London's pre-eminent summer charter fairs. A charter for the fair was granted to Rahere by Henry I to fund the Priory of St Bartholomew; and from 1133 to 1855 it took place each year on 24 August within the preci ...

. The ''Fate of Villainy'', 1730, was given at Goodman's Fields Theatre on 24 February 1730 by

Henry Giffard Henry Giffard (1694–1772) was a British stage actor and theatre manager. Early life Although there is some uncertainty about his early years, he is described as being the son of William Giffard. Born in London – in Lincoln's Inn Fields by s ...

and Mrs. Giffard.

Death

In 1744 Walker went to Dublin, taking with him the ''Fate of Villainy'', which was acted there under the title of ''Love and Loyalty''. The second night was to have been for his benefit. Not being able to furnish security for the expenses of the house, he could not induce the managers to reproduce it. He died three days later, 5 June 1744.

Selected roles

*Cardono in ''

The Cruel Gift ''The Cruel Gift: A Tragedy'' is a tragedy (with an unusual happy ending) written by Susanna Centlivre, first performed at Drury Lane in 1716 (and published in 1717). Nicholas Rowe wrote the play's epilogue. The story of ''Ghismunda and Guisca ...

'' by

Susanna Centlivre Susanna Centlivre (c. 1669 (baptised) – 1 December 1723), born Susanna Freeman and also known professionally as Susanna Carroll, was an English poet, actress, and "the most successful female playwright of the eighteenth century". Centlivre's " ...

(1716) * Captain Jolly in ''

The Cobbler of Preston ''The Cobbler of Preston'' (first published as ''The Cobler of Preston'') is a 1716 comedy play by Christopher Bullock, although a separate play of the same title was written by Charles Johnson the same year. A one-act afterpiece is the origin o ...

'' by Charles Johnson (1716) * Charles in '' The Non-Juror'' by

(1717) * Captain Carbine in ''

The Play is the Plot ''The Play is the Plot'' is a 1718 comedy play by the British writer John Durant Breval. Originally staged at the Drury Lane Theatre the cast featured Benjamin Johnson as Sir Barnaby Bindover, Thomas Walker as Captain Carbine, William Pinkethm ...

'' by

John Durant Breval John Durant Breval (c.1680 – January 1738) was an English poet, playwright, and miscellaneous writer. He started his literary career under the alias of ''Joseph Gay'' and later gained popularity as a travel writer while using his own name after ...

(1718) * Rameses in ''

Busiris, King of Egypt ''Busiris, King of Egypt'' is a 1719 tragedy by the British writer Edward Young. It is set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Busiris. It was considered a success, enjoying a good run and was subsequently published by Jacob Tonson. The work wa ...

'' by

Edward Young Edward Young (c. 3 July 1683 – 5 April 1765) was an English poet, best remembered for ''Night-Thoughts'', a series of philosophical writings in blank verse, reflecting his state of mind following several bereavements. It was one of the mos ...

(1719) * Brutus in '' The Invader of His Country'' by

John Dennis John Dennis may refer to: *John Dennis (dramatist) (1658–1734), English dramatist * John Dennis (1771–1806), Maryland congressman *John Dennis (1807–1859), his son, Maryland congressman *John Stoughton Dennis (1820–1885), Canadian surveyor ...

(1719) * Daran in ''

The Siege of Damascus ''The Siege of Damascus'' is a 1720 tragedy by the British writer John Hughes. It was inspired by Simon Ockley's 1708 study '' Conquest of Syria'', and focuses specifically on the Siege of Damascus in 634. Originally staged at the Theatre Royal ...

'' by John Hughes (1720) * Charles Despotick in '' The Compromise'' by John Sturmy (1722) * Pheroras in ''

Mariamne Mariamne is a name frequently used in the Herodian royal house. In Greek it is spelled Μαριάμη (Mariame) by Josephus; in some editions of his work the second ''m'' is doubled (Mariamme). In later copies of those editions the spelling was ...

'' by

Elijah Fenton Elijah Fenton (20 May 1683 – 16 July 1730) was an English poet, biographer and translator. Life Born in Shelton (now Stoke-on-Trent), and educated at Jesus College, Cambridge, for a time he acted as secretary to the Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of ...

(1723) * Phocias in ''

The Fatal Legacy ''The Fatal Legacy'' is a 1723 tragedy by the British writer Jane Robe. It was inspired by Jean Racine's 1664 play ''La Thébaïde''.Staves p.208 It concerns the children of Oedipus in Thebes, Greece, Ancient Thebes. The original Lincoln's Inn F ...

'' by Jane Robe (1723) * Galerius Caesar in ''

The Roman Maid ''The Roman Maid'' is a 1724 tragedy by the British writer Robert Hurst.Nicoll p.31 It is set during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The original cast included John Ogden (actor), John Ogden as Dioclesian, Thomas Walker (actor), Thomas ...

'' by Robert Hurst (1724) * Proclus in ''

Belisarius Belisarius (; el, Βελισάριος; The exact date of his birth is unknown. – 565) was a military commander of the Byzantine Empire under the emperor Justinian I. He was instrumental in the reconquest of much of the Mediterranean terri ...

'' by William Phillips (1724) * Albert in ''

Edwin The name Edwin means "rich friend". It comes from the Old English elements "ead" (rich, blessed) and "ƿine" (friend). The original Anglo-Saxon form is Eadƿine, which is also found for Anglo-Saxon figures. People * Edwin of Northumbria (die ...

'' by George Jeffreys (1724) * Frippou in ''

The Bath Unmasked ''The Bath Unmasked'' is a 1725 comedy play by the British writer Gabriel Odingsells. The action takes place in the fashionable spa town of Bath. Staged at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre in London it lasted for six performances, considered a ...

'' by

Gabriel Odingsells Gabriel Odingsells (1690–1734) was a British playwright. He attended Pembroke College, Oxford. In 1725 he wrote a comedy ''The Bath Unmasked'', set in the city of Bath, Somerset, Bath, which appeared at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre. This was fo ...

(1725) * Beaumine in ''

The Capricious Lovers ''The Capricious Lovers'' is a 1725 comedy play by the British writer Gabriel Odingsells. The play revolves around a vain militia colonel.Freeman p.282 The original cast at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, Lincoln's Inn Fields included John Hippisle ...

'' by

(1725) * Beaufort in ''

The Dissembled Wanton ''The Dissembled Wanton'' is a 1726 comedy play by the British writer Leonard Welsted. The original Lincoln's Inn Fields cast included James Quin as Lord Severne, Lacy Ryan Lacy Ryan (c. 1694–1760), English actor, appeared at the Haymar ...

'' by

Leonard Welsted Leonard Welsted (''baptised'' 3 June 1688 – August 1747) was an English poet and "dunce" in Alexander Pope's writings (both in ''The Dunciad'' and in ''Peri Bathos''). Welsted was an accomplished writer who composed in a relaxed, light heart ...

(1726) * Sir Charles Mirmont in ''

The Female Fortune Teller ''The Female Fortune Teller'' is a 1726 comedy play by the British writer Charles Johnson.Nicoll p.142 It is a reworking of Edward Ravenscroft's 1683 restoration comedy ''Dame Dobson''. The original cast featured James Quin as Spring, Lacy Ry ...

'' (1726) * Marsan in ''

Money the Mistress ''Money the Mistress'' is a 1726 comedy play by the Irish writer Thomas Southerne. It was his final play. Staged by John Rich (producer), John Rich at the Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, the cast included James Quin as Warcourt, Lacy Ryan as Mourv ...

'' by

Thomas Southerne Thomas Southerne (12 February 166026 May 1746) was an Irish dramatist. Biography Thomas Southerne, born on 12 February 1660, in Oxmantown, near Dublin, was an Irish dramatist. He was the son of Francis Southerne (a Dublin brewer) and Margaret ...

(1726) * Murrus in ''

The Fall of Saguntum ''The Fall of Saguntum'' is a 1727 tragedy by the British writer Philip Frowde. The plot revolves around the Siege of Saguntum in the Second Punic War, and is fall the forces of the Ancient Carthage, Carthaginian general Hannibal. Influenced by th ...

'' by

Philip Frowde Philip Frowde (died 1738) was an English poet and dramatist. Life Frowde was the son of Ashburnham Frowde, deputy postmaster-general from 1678 to 1688. His grandfather, Colonel Philip Frowde, for his faithful adherence to Charles I of England, Ch ...

(1727) * Perses in ''

Philip of Macedon Philip II of Macedon ( grc-gre, Φίλιππος ; 382 – 21 October 336 BC) was the king (''basileus'') of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia from 359 BC until his death in 336 BC. He was a member of the Argead dynasty, founders of the a ...

'' by David Lewis (1727) * Captain Macheath in ''

The Beggar's Opera ''The Beggar's Opera'' is a ballad opera in three acts written in 1728 by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. It is one of the watershed plays in Augustan drama and is the only example of the once thriving genre of satiri ...

'' by

(1728) * Arsamnes in '' The Virgin Queen'' by Richard Barford (1728) * Frederick in ''

Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh ''Frederick, Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburgh'' is a 1729 historical play, historical tragedy by the British writer Eliza Haywood. It is based on the life medieval ruler Frederick I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. Haywood, well-known for her novel ...

'' by

Eliza Haywood Eliza Haywood (c. 1693 – 25 February 1756), born Elizabeth Fowler, was an English writer, actress and publisher. An increase in interest and recognition of Haywood's literary works began in the 1980s. Described as "prolific even by the standar ...

(1729) * Xerses in ''

Themistocles Themistocles (; grc-gre, Θεμιστοκλῆς; c. 524–459 BC) was an Athenian politician and general. He was one of a new breed of non-aristocratic politicians who rose to prominence in the early years of the Athenian democracy. A ...

'' by

Samuel Madden Samuel Madden (23 December 1686 – 31 December 1765) was an Irish author. His works include ''Themistocles; The Lover of His Country'', ''Reflections and Resolutions Proper for the Gentlemen of Ireland'', and ''Memoirs of the Twentieth Century' ...

(1729) * Hypsenor in ''

Periander Periander (; el, Περίανδρος; died c. 585 BC) was the Second Tyrant of the Cypselid dynasty that ruled over ancient Corinth. Periander's rule brought about a prosperous time in Corinth's history, as his administrative skill made Corinth o ...

'' by John Tracy (1731) * Pylades in ''

Orestes In Greek mythology, Orestes or Orestis (; grc-gre, Ὀρέστης ) was the son of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon, and the brother of Electra. He is the subject of several Ancient Greek plays and of various myths connected with his madness and ...

'' by

Lewis Theobald Lewis Theobald (baptised 2 April 1688 – 18 September 1744), English textual editor and author, was a landmark figure both in the history of Shakespearean editing and in literary satire. He was vital for the establishment of fair texts for Sha ...

(1731) * Cassander in ''

Philotas Philotas ( el, Φιλώτας; 365 BC – October 330 BC) was the eldest son of Parmenion, one of Alexander the Great's most experienced and talented generals. He rose to command the Companion Cavalry, but was accused of conspiring against Alexa ...

'' by

(1731) * Adrastus in '' Merope'' by George Jeffreys (1731) * Horatio in ''

The Married Philosopher ''The Married Philosopher'' is a 1732 comedy play by the writer John Kelly. It was inspired by the 1727 play ''Le Philosophe Marié'' by the French writer Philippe Néricault Destouches.Nicoll p.404 The original Lincoln's Inn Fields cast included ...

'' by John Kelly (1732) * Porsenna in '' The Tuscan Treaty'' by William Bond (1733) * Cardinal of Aragon in ''

The Fatal Secret ''The Fatal Secret'' is a 1733 tragedy by the British writer Lewis Theobald.Nicoll p.359 The original Covent Garden cast included Lacy Ryan as Ferdinand, Thomas Walker as Cardinal of Aragon, William Milward as Antonio, Thomas Chapman as Marqui ...

'' by

(1733) * Heartly in '' The Lady's Revenge'' by William Popple (1734) * Young Courtlove in ''

The Double Deceit ''The Double Deceit'' is a 1735 comedy play by the British writer William Popple. The original Covent Garden cast included John Hippisley as Sir William Courtlove, Thomas Walker as Young Courtlove, Adam Hallam as Gayliffe, Thomas Chapman as J ...

'' by William Popple (1735)

Notes

;Attribution {{DEFAULTSORT:Walker, Thomas 1698 births 1744 deaths English dramatists and playwrights English male stage actors 18th-century English male actors English male dramatists and playwrights