Overview
I wish I were anything rather than an actor – except a critic!
One of the greatest actor-managers of the 19th century, William Macready was the man to whom his best friend Charles Dickens dedicated Nicholas Nickleby. Despite becoming head of his profession, Macready never wanted to be an actor. Instead, he dreamed of being a barrister and a gentleman. But when his father’s theatre company collapsed, the young Macready had to step in to save it, and found himself unwillingly plunged into the ungentlemanly world of the stage…
Following the sold-out performance of Jekyll & Hyde in March, Mark Stratford returns to Jermyn Street Theatre with another highly acclaimed show. With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters and anecdotes, Stratford takes us on a journey through the sheer graft, tribulations and joys of Macready’s life, and the fascinating world of Victorian theatre.
Suggested Age: 12+
People
Performer
Media
“A fascinating play about the life and loves of William Charles Macready…Fringe Theatre doesn’t get much better than this”
“Stratford gives a polished, confident and relaxed performance. He knows his character inside out...This doesn’t feel like acting....we are hearing from the man himself”
“Effortless story-telling…Compelling and charming”
“A fascinating and insightful production”
“Not to be missed””
“An entertaining, informative and impressive production”
“A fascinating show”
“Nominated as an OffFEST finalist in the OFFIES AWARDS 2025”