Coppin the Great: Father of the Australian Theatre by Alec Bagot

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Ex library book with no external stickers. Date due slip, stamps and borrowers card on inside page, otherwise interior is still very good. Dust jacket is very good condiion, with only minor creasing. Dust jacket is now in protector.

George Selth Coppin (1819-1906), known as the 'father of the Australian Theatre', and a 'low comedian', was also an impresario, adventurer, politician and philanthropist.

This biography is based mainly on material made available by his daughter Lucy Coppin - her father's books, journals, biographical notes, newspaper cuttings, playbills, and Coppin's letters.

From an early age, he acted with his parents in a troupe of strolling players in England and the colour and uncertainties of this life are vividly described. At 16 he chose independence and appearances in provincial England, London, and Ireland followed.

In 1842, accompanied by an American actress, he migrated to Australia where, in tours of the separate colonies, George's acumen gave them starring roles and excellent receipts. As well as acting and managing, Coppin promoted such ventures as a zoo, roller skating, hot sea-water baths and a railway line.

He was a devoted husband and parent and his philanthropic activities were legion. Twice elected to the Victorian Legislative Council, in 1858 and 1889, Coppin was also a member of the Legislative Assembly for nine years 1874 to 1889, with a break 1877-1883.

He built six theatres, including one pre-fabricated in England. He made three fortunes and lost two, restoring them through stage tours. He toured the Victorian goldfields and New Zealand and, later, with Charles and Ellen Kean, America. This visit coincided with a presidential election and the assassination of President Lincoln. (book flap)