Sarah Siddons: The First Celebrity Actress

Sarah Siddons was a poor, hungry child who became a superstar actress before the age of 30, despite a disastrous London debut. She rebuilt her career and became Britains greatest tragic actress, adored by theatre audiences, writers, artists, and the royal family. She also battled to manage her reputation and redefine the world of theatre, becoming the first celebrity actress.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Sarah Siddons, born into a family of traveling actors, endured a humble upbringing marked by poverty and frequent hunger. Despite the hardships, she managed to rise to fame before the age of 30, becoming the highest-paid actress in history. Her journey was fraught with challenges, including a disastrous London debut at the age of 20 that nearly ended her career. Undeterred, Siddons rebuilt her reputation through relentless provincial touring, eventually returning triumphantly to the capital. Her performances as the greatest tragic actress of her time captivated audiences, and her shows were always sold out. Adored by theater audiences, writers, artists, and even the royal family, Siddons understood the importance of her image and made sure that her likeness was captured by renowned portrait painters. In an era of vicious satire and gossip, she also worked diligently to maintain a respectable reputation, despite her early marriage not living up to societal expectations. Sarah Siddons' story extends beyond mere rags-to-riches; she revolutionized the world of theater and became the first celebrity actress. Her resilience, talent, and determination to overcome adversity continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 240 x 165 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399018623