ballad opera at Covent Garden for his benefit, called "The Lucky Discovery; or Farmer of York," printed in 1758. He performed several years at this theatre, and was esteemed excellent in old men's characters. He died April 8, 1773. ASCOUGH (CHARLES EDWARD) author of one tragedy "Semiramis," 1776, was son of Francis Ascough, Dean of Bristol, by a sister of the first Lord Littleton. He was brought up in the army, and had for some time a commission in the guards; but indisposition compelled him to relinquish his profession, and travel into Italy. He died Oct. 14, 1779. ASTON, (ROBERT) a native of Ireland, who produced a play, printed several times in Dublin, called "The Battle of Aughrim; or, Fall of Monsieur St. Ruth." ASTON, (ANTHONY) actor and author of a comedy, called "Love in a Hurry," 1709; was son of a gentleman who had formerly been master of the PleaOffice in the King's Bench. He was bred an attorney, but quitted the dry study of the law, and having a smattering of humour, titioned the commons to be heard against the bill then pending for regulating the stage, and was permitted to deliver a ludicrous speech, which was afterwards published. He was commonly called Tony Aston. ATKINSON, (JOSEPH) dramatist, a native of Ireland, and in the army. In 1785, he brought out a comedy on the Dublin stage, during Mr. Daly's management, called, "The Mutual Deception," in which Mr. Ryder performed, and it is said all the emolument the author derived from it was half-a-crown. This piece was altered and reduced to three acts, by the late Mr. Colman, (who threw out entirely the under-plot) and brought it out at the Hay-market Theatre, under the title of "Tit for Tat." In 1786, he produced an opera, (the music by Mr. Dibdin) called "A match for a Widow : or, The Frolics of Fancy," in which Messrs. Ryder and Duffey performed. This piece was published in London with the hopes that Mr. Colman would espouse it; but the story, which was taken from the French, was at the same time much better managed by Mrs. Inchbald, in her "Widow's went on the stage. He perform-Vow." It had also been long be ed on all the London boards, but, being of a flighty disposition, could never settle in any situation. He undertook an entertainment, called "The Medley," with the assistance of his wife and son, at all the principal cities and towns in England. Every town he entered, he pretended a right to, and whenever another company interfered with him, he was very attentive and dexterous in laying them under contribution. In 1735, he pe fore introduced on the Dublin stage by Miss Sheridan, in another farce, called "The Ambiguous Lover." In 1800, he brought out another opera, with Mr. Jones, the present Irish manager, called "Love in a Blaze," the music by Dr. Stevenson of Dublin, to whose abilities, no doubt, it was indebted for the applause it is said to have received. It was presented in vain to the managers in London. The idea of this piece seems to be taken from the the tragedy of the "Widow of Malabar," which, to render a comedy, the widow's character is converted into an Irishman, who is to burn for his mistress, and this is Love in a blaze! ATKINS (Mr.) actor and manager of the Belfast and Newry Theatres in the North || of Ireland. The former is commodious and handsome, where Mrs. Siddons has frequently appeared. Mr. Cherry was likewise initiated under Mr. Atkins's auspices; as were several other Irish performers who have appeared on the London boards. ATKINS, (Mrs.) actress, maiden name Warrell, was a pupil of Rauzzini, and much admired as a singer at Bath. Her first appearance in London was at the Haymarket, 1797. She was then engaged at Covent Garden, and sung for one Lent season in Ash || ley's oratorios. Her husband belongs to the same theatre; but is oftener seen than heard. For this lady's mother, see Mrs. Warrell. ATTWOOD, (THO.) composer, son of a coal-merchant, and organist of St. Paul's cathedral. He soon discovered a musical genius, which having been properly cultivated, he became himself an instructor, and has now several pupils under his care. His compositions are in general pleasing, but unfortunately, his best music has been sacrificed to dramatic pieces, destitute of literary merit. Those which exist, are, "The Poor Sailor," "Castle of Sorrento," &c. He belongs to the Pimlico Association, and though young, has been some time married to an agreeable lady, and is blest with a fine family. AUSTIN (Mr.) See Munden. B. BADDELEY,(Mr.) actor, was a native of England. In the early part of his life he went abroad, and having visited the continent, and acquired some knowledge of the French language, commenced actor at Drury Lane, and performed several parts in low comedy, particularly foreign footmen, with considerable applause. He was unfortunate in his marriage,|| and died, November, 1794, having been taken suddenly ill the preceding evening, when nearly dressed for Moses, in the "School for Scandal." He was buried in St. Paul's, Covent Garden. The following extract from his will, bearing date April 23, 1792, will prove his benevolent attention to the infirmities and distresses of performers:" To his faithful friend and companion, Mrs. Catharine Strickland, generally called and known by the name of Baddeley, he bequeaths his life's interest, in his house in New Store-street, and in his freehold, messuages, garden, &c. After her decease, the above estates, ley's Memoirs were given to the public by a lady, soon after the publication of Bellamy's Apology for her Life; the success of which, no doubt, prompted the undertaking: but the anecdotes of this actress not being calculated to entertain or improve, the work was justly consigned to oblivion. " with certain monies to arise from the insurance of au annuity, to go to the society established for the relief of indigent persons belonging to Drury Lane Theatre. The house and premises at Moulsey, to be used as an asylum for decayed actors and actresses, and when the nett produce of the property amounts to £360 per annum, pensions are to be allowed ---Especial care to be taken to have the words "Baddeley's Asylum," in the front of the house. His executors to publish every year his letter, as appeared in the General Advertiser, April 20, 1790, respecting the disagreement with his unhappy wife, to prevent the world from looking on his memory in the vil. lainous point of view, as set forth in certain books, pamphlets, &c. One hundred pounds, three per cent. consolidated bank annui-periodical works. He translated ties, which produce three pounds per annum, is left to purchase a twelfth cake with wine and punch, which the ladies and gentlemen of Drury Lane Theatre are requested to partake of, every twelfth night in the great green room." BADDELEY, (Mrs. SOPHIA) actress, maiden name Snow, wife of the preceding gentleman, made her first appearance on the stage at Drury-lane Theatre; and, though her introduction to the public was after her marriage, yet it was before her husband had attempted the stage, which probably her success had encouraged. This lady's conduct soon after involved Mr. Baddeley in a duel, and infidelity at last caused their separation. Her extravagance obliged her to fly to Scotland, where she died in great misery. Mrs. Badde BAKER, (DAVID ERSKINE) author of the Biographia Dramatica; or, Companion to the Playhouse," 2 vols. 12mo. || 1764, was the eldest son of Henry Baker, (an ingenious naturalist in Fleet-street) by a daughter of the celebrated Daniel de Foe. His father was well known in the philosophical world from his Essay on the Microscope. He died Nov. 12, 1774. David, like his father, was a philosopher and a poet, having contributed to many a pamphlet from the Italian of Dr. Cocchi, at the age of fifteen years, and produced a dramatic poem, called "The Muse of Ossian," selected from the poems of Ossian, acted and printed at Edinburgh, 1763. Being adopted by an uncle, who was a silkthrowster in Spitalfields, he succeeded him in his business, but wanting the prudence and attention which are necessary to secure success in trade, he soon failed. He married a person who was an actress; but though a sensible and judicious speaker, never arrived at much eminence. Our author also was a considerable time a miserable retainer to some of the provincial theatres; and died before his father in very indigent circumstances. His "Companion to the Playhouse," was improved and continued from 1764, to 1782; but it must be C con |