The Irishman in London, or The Happy African

The Irishman in London, or The Happy African, is a farce in two acts by William Macready the elder (1755–1829)[1].

Usually referred to simply as The Irishman in London.

The original text

This is an adaptation of The Intriguing Footman, or The Humours of Humbug, a one act farce from 1790 attributed to James Whitley, manager at Nottingham Theatre. Macready's play was first performed as The Irishman in London, or The Happy African at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden on 21 April 1792. First published 1793, and again in 1799. The play was apparently popular in London and New York, as well as the colonies.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

The play was clearly a great favourite with the Garrison Players in the first half of the 19th century.

1812: Performed as The Irishman in London in Cape Town by the Garrison Players in the African Theatre on 6 July, as afterpiece to Speed the Plough (Th. Morton), with Lt Prescott and Lt Hanson listed as Directors for the evening.

1822: Performed as The Irishman in London in the African Theatre, Cape Town on 14 September by the Garrison Players, as afterpiece to The Point of Honour (Kemble) and the burlesque Amoroso, King of Little Britain (Planché).

1822: Performed as The Irishman in London in the African Theatre, Cape Town on 4 October by the Garrison Players, as afterpiece to The Poor Gentleman (Colman Jr).

1824: Performed as The Irishman in London in the African Theatre, Cape Town on 2 November by the Garrison Players, as afterpiece to The Poor Gentleman (Colman Jr). A benefit performance for Mrs Green and Mrs Johnson.

1831: Performed as The Irishman in London in the African Theatre, Cape Town on 23 July by All the World's a Stage, as afterpiece to Richard the Third, or The Battle of Bosworth Field

1836: Performed as The Irishman in London in the African Theatre, Cape Town on 8 June by the Garrison Players, as afterpiece to The Flying Dutchman (Fitzball).

1848: Performed as The Irishman in London in in the Garrison Theatre, Cape Town on 4 August by the Garrison Players ("the 6th Royal Regiment"), as afterpiece to The Review, or The Wags of Windsor (Colman Jr), as well as an interlude consisting of "a variety of dancing and singing".

1854: Performed as The Irishman in London in King William's Town (Eastern Cape) on 29 March by the soldiers of the garrison, possibly with Box and Cox (Morton), in the presence of the Governor General.