Colman, GEORGE

Colman, GEORGE, commonly called 'the Elder,' a dramatic author and theatrical manager, was born at Florence in 1732. In 1760 his first dramatic piece, entitled Polly Honeycomb, was produced at Drury Lane with great success. Next year he gave to the world his comedy of The Jealous Wife, and in conjunction with Garrick, he wrote The Clandestine Marriage, which was played at Drury Lane, 20th February 1766. In 1767 he became one of the purchasers of Covent Garden Theatre, and held the office of acting manager for seven years, after which period he sold his share. In 1777 he purchased the patent of the theatre in the Haymarket from Mr Foote. In 1785 he was attacked by paralysis, which caused a gradual decay of his mental powers, and he died in confinement on 14th August 1794. Colman was an industrious author; besides poetry and translations, he wrote and adapted upwards of thirty dramatic pieces.