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Richard Charke
Edit Profilecomposer singer violinist opera singer
Education
He eventually graduated to lead roles in the musical productions at Drury Lane, starring in such productions as Henry Carey’s The Contrivances (1729) and Cibber’s Damon and Phillida (1729).
Career
He initially worked as a dancing-master before being appointed by Colley Cibber as leader of the orchestra at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1729. Soon thereafter he began performing as a solo violinist and singing in small roles at the theatre. Charke possessed a good sense of humor and had a talent for wit, which he ultimately made use of in pantomimes, mostly as a composer but also as a writer
He wrote several amusing "Medley Overtures" that became highly popular for pantomime performances during the 1730s and 1740s.
He authored only one pantomime Harlequin Restored, or, The Country Revels, which contained music by both himself and Thomas Arne and premiered at Drury Lane on 14 December 1732 (although the Burney Collection of newspapers showing contemporary playbills give the date as 20 March 1732). In addition to his contribution to pantomimes, Charke composed one ballad opera, The Festival, which premiered in 1734 and starred Susannah Maria Cibber.
He also contributed songs to West.R. Chetwood"s The Lovers Opera (1729) and The Generous Freemason (1730), and to James Miller"s The Humours of Oxford (1730). Charke"s private life was somewhat tragic.
He also had a penchant for gambling and for spending money frivolously.
In the summer of 1736 he fled England for Jamaica in order to avoid his gambling debts and debtor"s prison. He became ill shortly after arriving in Jamaica, dying in either late 1737 or early 1738.
