Astley Bransby (died 1789) was an English stage actor and theatre manager who was a long-standing member of the company of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane under David Garrick.[1] His first known performance was Captain Plume in George Farquhar's The Recruiting Officer in 1744 at the Haymarket where he was part of a group of young actors being trained by Charles Macklin. The following year he made his first appearance at Drury Lane and remained there for three decades, with the expection of a four-year spell at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden from 1749 to 1753. He played a vast number of supporting roles in the repertory as well as occasionally originating new roles.[2] He retired from thestage in 1777 from ill health.[3] He was a co-manager of Richmond Theatre.[4]

Selected roles

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References

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  1. ^ Pedicord & Bergmann p.366
  2. ^ Highfill, Burnim & Langhan p.310
  3. ^ Highfill, Burnim & Langhan p.311
  4. ^ Highfill, Burnim & Langhan p.311

Bibliography

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  • Greene, John C. Theatre in Dublin, 1745–1820: A Calendar of Performances. Lehigh University Press, 2011.
  • Highfill, Philip H, Burnim, Kalman A. & Langhans, Edward A. A Biographical Dictionary of Actors, Actresses, Musicians, Dancers, Managers and Other Stage Personnel in London, 1660-1800, Volumes 1-2. SIU Press, 1973.
  • Pedicord Harry William & Bergmann, Fredrick Louis (ed.) The Plays of David Garrick: Volume II. SIU Press, 1980.