Background
John Cunningham was born in 1729 in Dublin, Ireland. John went to Drogheda Grammar School, Drogheda, but had to leave when his father’s wealth disappeared.
John Cunningham was born in 1729 in Dublin, Ireland. John went to Drogheda Grammar School, Drogheda, but had to leave when his father’s wealth disappeared.
He was attracted towards the stage and the acting profession. He started to write in the age of twelve and at the age of 17 wrote his first play “Love in a mist” which was performed in Dublin. He was also fortunate to attract the friendship and patronage of Mr. and Mistress
Slack, the owners of the Newcastle Chronicle, and supplemented his income by writing articles for publication.
John Cunningham gave his last performance in Darlington on 20 June 1773. He returned to Newcastle, was taken ill, and died on 18 September 1773 at the age of 44, at his lodgings in Union Street, Newcastle.
He was buried at Street John's Churchyard, a monument being placed at his grave by Mr. Slack, of the Newcastle Chronicle.
This monument was restored in 1887 by public subscription, after falling into decay.
In 1891 The Chronicle’s current proprietor, Joseph Cowen, placed a memorial window in Street John's Church in his memory.
The play was later performed at Newcastle, where John Cunningham decided to settle, working as a member of the dramatic company, which was traveling around Northumbria.