W.G. Groom

W.G. Groom (18**-18**) was an apothecary, theatre lover and historian.

Also referred to as William Groom or W. Groom in some sources.

Biography
He arrived in Cape Town in 1843, and is listed as a registered apothecary in the Government Gazette of June 1870 (registration: August 1863).

Contribution to South African theatre and performance
He loved theatre and saw many plays, recording his impressions over the years and publishing them, inter alia in the Cape Illustrated Magazine of 1897-1899. These writings are an important resource on 19th century theatre in the Cape.

He found himself drawn into working in the theatre as well, helping out on technical matters for Captain Hall's Company in 1950 (contriving a bomb to go off on stage in play about Frederick the Great), and in 1857 he is mentioned as working for Sefton Parry, first helping to build sets, later even performing.

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