Galway Theatre in the Eighteenth Century

From about 1700 onwards reliable groups like the crack permanent company at the Smock Alley, began to go on tour during the summer months. Drogheda, Kilkenny, Belfast, Cork, &c., were visited. There is no mention of Galway, until 1742 we read that:

"the famous Jemmy Whiteley, having made some rapid progress (in Dublin theatrical circles) left suddenly to join the widow Parker and her company in Galway. On receipt of her offer of first cast parts he left for the renowned capital of Connaught at that time notorious throughout the whole kingdom for being the local residence of the 13 families, particularly dreaded by their peaceable neighbours on account of their ferocity and implacable resentment of every supposed affront which nothing but death of the devoted victim of their ruthless animosity could in any shape atone for. But it is with infinite pleasure I am able to certify, that on some examples being made of many of the toughest branches of the 13 distinguished families of the salutary laws of their injured bleeding country the whole province is in a fair way of following the examples of their praise worthy neighbours of Ulster."

Whiteley's first appearance was in "Cure for a Scold " adopted from Shakespeare'sTaming of the Shrew, and Christopher Bullock'sCobler of Preston, made into a ballad farce. He had, we are told a "good and pleasing voice." Soon a strong friendship developed between the widow and her leading man, and there was little surprise among the other members of the company when their marriage announcement was made; she being 26 and he 18. But soon dissentions crept in, players deserted, and in a short while, due to low numbers and poor receipts Whiteley and his bride bade adieu to Galway and travelled to Carlow, where he related, he "lived many days (though a manager) on bread and buttermilk." Among their players at Galway was Mr. William Hovard, later of Drury Lane Theatre, London.

The later history of James Augustus Whiteley is interesting, for having sold most of his theatrical wardrobe - the only realisable asset of the 18th century actor - in Waterford he left with his bride for Liverpool to pursue the business of theatrical management. So successful were his efforts that within a short time the English towns of Manchester, Wolverhampton, Doncaster and many others were acclaiming his genius. Before coming to Galway this colourful personality was in receipt of an actor's salary of seven shillings a week.