Buckstone

Buckstone, JOHN BALDWIN, comedian and dramatic writer, was born at Hoxton, London, in 1802, and, having in 1822 exchanged an attorney's office for the provincial stage, appeared next year at the Surrey Theatre. His success was so unequivocal that in 1827 he was engaged by the Adelphi Theatre, where he continued till 1833 as leading low comedian. Except for a visit to the United States in 1840, and short engagements at Drury Lane and the Lyceum, he thenceforward played chiefly at the Haymarket, of which he was lessee from 1853 till 1878. He died 31st October 1879. Buckstone's acting was not more noted for its comicality and humour, which never degenerated into vulgarity, than for its distinct appreciation of the peculiar traits in each individual character he assumed. He was also a prolific dramatic author, and of the 150 pieces he wrote for the stage, several have been highly popular.