W.G. Groom
W.G. Groom (18**-18**) was an apothecary, theatre lover and historian. (Also referred to as William Groom in some sources)
He arrived in Cape Town in 1843 to open an apothecary shop.
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. 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.
Sources
F.C.L. Bosman, 1928[1]: pp. 400,
Fletcher, 1994
Return to
Return to ESAT Personalities G
Return to South African Theatre Personalities
Return to Main Page
