The School of Reform: a Convict at Covent Garden
The first major role for a convict on the London stage?
A short essay on the Georgian actor John Emery’s performance as ‘Tyke,’ a convict newly-returned to England from a 14-year stint at Botany Bay, in Thomas Morton’s smash The School of Reform. First performed in January 1805 and much reprised, Emery’s performance was widely acclaimed for its passion and wit.