The Gamester

The Gamester is a domestic tragedy in five acts by Edward Moore (1712 – 1757).

The original text
Originally produced at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, in 1753 with David Garrick (1717-1779) in the leading character of Beverley the gambler. Garrick apparently also added the prologue and a few other passages of the play.

The play was often produced in England and the United States in the 18th century, inter alia at the Park Theatre, New York, by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean.

First published in London by R. Francklin and co, 1753 and sold by and R. Dodsley. Later editions printed 1776 by T. Davies and R. Dodsley; and 1777 by J. Bell.

Performance history in South Africa
1808: Performed in the African Theatre by the Garrison Players on 2 July 1808, followed by Taste (Foote) as afterpiece.

1824: Performed by the Garrison Players on 2 October in the African Theatre, with Miss in her Teens (Garrick).

Return to
Return to PLAYS I: Original SA plays

Return to PLAYS II: Foreign plays

Return to PLAYS III: Collections

Return to PLAYS IV: Pageants and public performances

Return to South African Festivals and Competitions

Return to The ESAT Entries

Return to Main Page