David Garrick, English actor, producer, playwright, and manager (b. 1717)
David Garrick: A Revolutionary Force in 18th-Century European Theatre
David Garrick (19 February 1717 – 20 January 1779) was an exceptionally influential English actor, playwright, theatre manager, and producer whose profound impact reshaped nearly all facets of European theatrical practice throughout the 18th century. Known for his close relationship with the esteemed lexicographer and man of letters, Dr. Samuel Johnson, Garrick was both his pupil and lifelong friend, moving within the intellectual circles of London.
Garrick's early career saw him honing his craft in various amateur theatricals. However, it was his professional debut on 19 October 1741, at the Goodman's Fields Theatre, that truly captivated audiences and professional managers alike. His sensational portrayal of the title role in William Shakespeare's Richard III marked a dramatic departure from the prevailing bombastic and declamatory acting styles of the era. Garrick's performance was lauded for its naturalism, emotional depth, and psychological realism, immediately signaling the arrival of a new theatrical paradigm.
The Rise of a Theatrical Titan: From Actor to Drury Lane Manager
The overwhelming success of Garrick's Richard III, alongside his compelling interpretations of other complex characters such as King Lear, Hamlet, and Abel Drugger in Ben Jonson's The Alchemist, quickly garnered significant attention. Charles Fleetwood, the then-manager of the prestigious Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was so impressed that he promptly engaged Garrick for a season. This engagement was a pivotal moment, cementing Garrick's status as a leading actor.
Garrick remained a principal actor with the Drury Lane company for the subsequent five years. In 1747, he undertook a transformative step, purchasing a significant share of the theatre in partnership with James Lacy. This acquisition initiated what would become a remarkable 29-year tenure as co-manager, and later sole manager, of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Under Garrick's visionary leadership, Drury Lane ascended to become one of the foremost and most respected theatrical institutions in Europe, renowned for its artistic excellence and innovative practices.
Garrick's profound contributions were recognized even after his death. Just three years following his retirement from Drury Lane and the stage on 10 June 1776, he was accorded a lavish public funeral. He was laid to rest in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey, a singular honor for an actor at the time, underscoring the elevation of the theatrical profession to a new level of social and artistic respectability largely due to his efforts.
Innovations in Acting and Theatrical Production
As an actor, Garrick championed a revolutionary form of realistic acting that starkly contrasted with the formal, often exaggerated and static style prevalent during his formative years. He advocated for a naturalistic approach, where actors would embody their characters through genuine emotional expression and dynamic physical movement rather than relying on conventional gestures and declamatory speech. His performances deeply moved and delighted audiences, setting a new standard for theatrical authenticity. Furthermore, his rigorous direction of many of England's top stage actors profoundly influenced their individual styles, fostering a more cohesive and nuanced ensemble performance.
Beyond his prowess on stage, Garrick's managerial tenure at Drury Lane was marked by extensive reforms:
- Audience Behaviour Reform: Garrick boldly sought to cultivate a more respectful and focused theatre-going experience. He initiated measures such as discouraging audience members from sitting on the stage (a common practice that obstructed views and disrupted performances), reducing the amount of talking and eating during plays, and generally enforcing greater order within the auditorium. While these reforms initially met with some discontent from a public accustomed to a more raucous and informal theatre environment, many of his changes eventually took hold, contributing to a more dignified theatrical setting.
- Production Consistency and Innovation: Garrick was a pioneer in bringing an overarching consistency and artistic coherence to theatrical productions. This included significant advancements in:
- Set Design: Advocating for more elaborate and realistic perspective scenery.
- Costumes: Moving towards greater historical accuracy in costuming, departing from generic, often anachronistic finery.
- Special Effects: Integrating more sophisticated lighting techniques, sound effects, and stage machinery to enhance the dramatic illusion.
Literary Contributions and Elevating the Theatrical Profession
Garrick's influence extended significantly into the literary dimensions of theatre, despite critics generally agreeing that his skills as an original playwright were not his strongest suit. While he penned some original works, such as the successful farce Miss in Her Teens (1747) and co-wrote the popular comedy The Clandestine Marriage (1766) with George Colman the Elder, his most notable literary contribution was his work in bringing William Shakespeare's plays to contemporary audiences.
Garrick was a fervent admirer and promoter of Shakespeare. He adapted many of Shakespeare's texts, editing them to suit 18th-century tastes and sensibilities, making them more accessible and palatable to the audiences of his time. He frequently performed in leading Shakespearean roles, cementing his reputation as the foremost interpreter of the Bard. A testament to his dedication was his organization of the monumental Shakespeare Jubilee in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1769, a three-day festival celebrating Shakespeare's life and work, which significantly boosted national interest in the playwright.
Furthermore, Garrick played a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing many older plays in the theatrical repertoire, including numerous works from the Restoration era that might otherwise have faded into obscurity due to changing moral standards or theatrical tastes. He meticulously adapted these plays, often editing language and plots to make them suitable for his contemporary audiences, thus ensuring their continued life on stage.
Indeed, while profoundly influencing the technical and artistic standards of theatre, David Garrick also played an instrumental role in elevating the social standing and public perception of theatre practitioners. Historically, actors and theatre people were often viewed with suspicion, associated with vagrancy and a lower social status. Through his unparalleled talent, personal integrity, wealth, and widespread social connections, Garrick lent an unprecedented level of respectability to the profession. This monumental accomplishment was famously encapsulated by his dear friend Samuel Johnson, who remarked that "his profession made him rich and he made his profession respectable."
Frequently Asked Questions About David Garrick
- Who was David Garrick?
- David Garrick was an eminent 18th-century English actor, playwright, theatre manager, and producer. He is widely considered one of the greatest actors in English history and a pivotal figure in the reform and modernization of European theatre.
- What was David Garrick's main contribution to theatre?
- Garrick's main contributions include revolutionizing acting with his naturalistic and emotionally realistic style, reforming theatrical management and production (including audience behavior and technical aspects like set design and costumes), and championing William Shakespeare's works for contemporary audiences.
- How did David Garrick change acting?
- He moved away from the prevailing bombastic and declamatory style of acting, introducing a more natural, psychologically nuanced, and emotionally expressive approach. He focused on careful character study and realistic physical portrayal, influencing future generations of actors.
- What was the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane's significance to Garrick?
- The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was the primary stage for Garrick's professional life. He became its co-manager in 1747, and under his 29-year leadership, it rose to become one of Europe's leading and most influential theatres, showcasing his innovative reforms in all aspects of production and performance.
- Why was David Garrick buried in Westminster Abbey?
- Garrick was given a lavish public funeral and buried in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey as a testament to his immense cultural impact and the unprecedented respectability he brought to the theatrical profession during his lifetime. This honor was highly unusual for an actor at the time, signifying his national importance.