Theophilus Cibber, actor, manager and playwright, the son of Colley Cibber, who was at one time Poet Laureate. His second marriage was to Susannah Arne, sister of the composer Thomas Arne. As Susannah Cibber, she enjoyed great success as a tragic actress, but had to take out an injunction to stop Theophilus from delving in to her salary. On seeing Cibber perform an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, David Garrick said "I never heard so vile and scandalous a performance in my life". Theophilus spent three periods in a debtor's prison, each time being baled out by his father. At one time the lord chamberlain withdrew his licence to perform. Though not widely reported, Cibber set up a theatre on Richmond Hill, in 1756, apparently describing it as a snuff dealership.
"Cibber and C°, snuff-merchants, sell at their warehouse on Richmond-hill a most excellent cephalic snuff, which taken in moderate quantities (in an evening particularly) will not fail to raise the spirits, clear the brain, throw off ill humours, dissipate the spleen, enliven the imagination, exhilarate the mind, give joy to the heart, and greatly invigorate and improve the understanding. Mr. Cibber has also opened at the aforesaid warehouse (late called the theatre) on the hill, an histrionic academy for the instruction of young persons of genius, in the art of acting; and purposes, for the better improvement of such pupils, &c. frequently with his assistants, to give public rehearsals without hire, gain, or reward," &c. General Advertiser, July 8, 1756.
Cibber was especially associated with Drury Lane. Hated by just about everyone, he was actually regarded as quite a fine actor. Unfortunately, he died in a shipwreck, whilst travelling to Dublin's Smock Alley theatre.
"Cibber and C°, snuff-merchants, sell at their warehouse on Richmond-hill a most excellent cephalic snuff, which taken in moderate quantities (in an evening particularly) will not fail to raise the spirits, clear the brain, throw off ill humours, dissipate the spleen, enliven the imagination, exhilarate the mind, give joy to the heart, and greatly invigorate and improve the understanding. Mr. Cibber has also opened at the aforesaid warehouse (late called the theatre) on the hill, an histrionic academy for the instruction of young persons of genius, in the art of acting; and purposes, for the better improvement of such pupils, &c. frequently with his assistants, to give public rehearsals without hire, gain, or reward," &c. General Advertiser, July 8, 1756.
Cibber was especially associated with Drury Lane. Hated by just about everyone, he was actually regarded as quite a fine actor. Unfortunately, he died in a shipwreck, whilst travelling to Dublin's Smock Alley theatre.
Theophilus Cibber, actor, manager and playwright, the son of Colley Cibber, who was at one time Poet Laureate. His second marriage was to Susannah Arne, sister of the composer Thomas Arne. As Susannah Cibber, she enjoyed great success as a tragic actress, but had to take out an injunction to stop Theophilus from delving in to her salary. On seeing Cibber perform an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, David Garrick said "I never heard so vile and scandalous a performance in my life". Theophilus spent three periods in a debtor's prison, each time being baled out by his father. At one time the lord chamberlain withdrew his licence to perform. Though not widely reported, Cibber set up a theatre on Richmond Hill, in 1756, apparently describing it as a snuff dealership.
"Cibber and C°, snuff-merchants, sell at their warehouse on Richmond-hill a most excellent cephalic snuff, which taken in moderate quantities (in an evening particularly) will not fail to raise the spirits, clear the brain, throw off ill humours, dissipate the spleen, enliven the imagination, exhilarate the mind, give joy to the heart, and greatly invigorate and improve the understanding. Mr. Cibber has also opened at the aforesaid warehouse (late called the theatre) on the hill, an histrionic academy for the instruction of young persons of genius, in the art of acting; and purposes, for the better improvement of such pupils, &c. frequently with his assistants, to give public rehearsals without hire, gain, or reward," &c. General Advertiser, July 8, 1756.
Cibber was especially associated with Drury Lane. Hated by just about everyone, he was actually regarded as quite a fine actor. Unfortunately, he died in a shipwreck, whilst travelling to Dublin's Smock Alley theatre.
"Cibber and C°, snuff-merchants, sell at their warehouse on Richmond-hill a most excellent cephalic snuff, which taken in moderate quantities (in an evening particularly) will not fail to raise the spirits, clear the brain, throw off ill humours, dissipate the spleen, enliven the imagination, exhilarate the mind, give joy to the heart, and greatly invigorate and improve the understanding. Mr. Cibber has also opened at the aforesaid warehouse (late called the theatre) on the hill, an histrionic academy for the instruction of young persons of genius, in the art of acting; and purposes, for the better improvement of such pupils, &c. frequently with his assistants, to give public rehearsals without hire, gain, or reward," &c. General Advertiser, July 8, 1756.
Cibber was especially associated with Drury Lane. Hated by just about everyone, he was actually regarded as quite a fine actor. Unfortunately, he died in a shipwreck, whilst travelling to Dublin's Smock Alley theatre.
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