HE WOULD BE AN ACTOR,

Waikato Times, Volume 2641, Issue 2641, 15 June 1889, Page 1 (Supplement)

HE WOULD BE AN ACTOR,

Tiibatkical managers, and especially actors who oooiipy that position, are for over being , addressed by the stage-struck, who desire, usually, to be shown a " royal road" to distinction upou the stuije, while obviously destitute of the first qualities necessary for success. It is not often, however, that managers receive from an aspirant a letter at once so quaint and so suggestive of frond faith an the following, which has recently been sent to Mr Richard Mansfield by a "Lancashire lad ":— Monday, March 19, 1889. From a Lancashire boy Oldham. Mr Mansfield, I have took the opportunity of writing a few lines to you in private. lam a boy that gives my mind to the plays of Shakspears, and seeing that you had begun Richard the Illrd with aeompany, I thought I would write and see if you eould put mo in the way of joining a Shakepearian Company, as I am allready capable of characterising (Catsby) (Buckingham) and (Richard) hiself, which I havo studied and characterised in the mid of night, when I should have been in a sound sleep ; I work in the cotton mill, but cannot give ray mind to it. lam without father and mother, therefore look the case over, and if I fail not in this deep intent I will always respect you as as Tragadiene, I do beseech you write and let me know shortly, and I will remain, Your Poor Devoted Servant aged IS. [Hero follow name and address]. Bβ not so hasty to confound my meaning, I mean that with ray soul, I lovo the ftiige likewise my head, and by them intend to earn my bread, but yet I ruu before my horse to market, I still work in the mill, which fills my hoait with pain, if in this intent I prosper tho must 1 count my ;:(iins