Abstract
John Henderson (1747-1783), a well-known and critically admired actor on Bath and London stages, had his career and promise cut short by premature death. Though a subject of a contemporary and a posthumous biography, Henderson has been reduced to references in theatrical histories, and requires rescue from a degree of oblivion. His voice is also an issue that needs clarifying. This article, to perform these two tasks, reviews Henderson’s life and work to mount the stage; his relations with David Garrick; and proves to some extent that Garrick preventing him from acting at Drury Lane because his voice was “woolly” is unlikely. Overall, the article considers London’s theatrical world, England’s growing theatrical venues; Garrick’s ubiquitous presence in both; and above all, a nearly forgotten actor’s experience in preparing for and gaining the stage.
