Robertson, THOMAS WILLIAM

Robertson, THOMAS WILLIAM, dramatist, was born at Newark-on-Trent, on 9th January 1829. The family had for some generations back been actors and actresses, and young Tom was brought up almost on the boards. About the middle of the century the Lincoln circuit, with which his father was connected, ceased to pay; the company was broken up, and Tom proceeded to London. There he struggled for a living, acting as prompter and stage manager, writing unsuccessful plays, acting himself, writing for newspapers and magazines, Fun amongst them, translating French plays, and so forth; but Robertson was never an actor of any mark. His first success as a dramatist was with David Garrick, in 1864, the title rôle of which was one of Sothern's great things. This was followed by the production of the comedy Society at Liverpool (1865), where, and later in London, it was received with the warmest approval. His next comedy, Ours (1866), produced by the Bancrofts at the Prince of Wales's Theatre, London, thoroughly established Robertson's fame; and from that time his pen was kept incessantly busy. Caste (1867), Play (1868), School (1869), M.P. (1870)—all brought out by the Kendals at the Prince of Wales's—and Home (1869) and Dreams (1869), the former at the Haymarket, the latter at the Gaiety, were all equally successful. But in the midst of his triumphs Tom Robertson died, in London, on 3d February 1871. His best comedies still retain their popularity, thirty years after they were first produced. This is owing in the first place to the excellence of their construction and stagecraft, and in the next to their bright and merry humour, their wholesome, healthy tone, their happy contrasts, and the sunny spirit that shines through them. See his Principal Dramatic Works, with Memoir by his son (2 vols. 1889), and the Life and Writings, by Pemberton (1893).