The Irishman in London, or The Happy African

The Irishman in London, or The Happy African, a farce in two acts by William MacReady (?1755-1829). Also referred to simply as The Irishman in London.

The original text

First performed as The Irishman in London, or The Happy African at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in 1792. Published 1793.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

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

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

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

1824: Performed 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 in the African Theatre, Cape Town on n23 July by All the World's a Stage, as afterpiece to Richard the Third, or The Battle of Bosworth Field

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

1848: Performed 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).

1854: Performed 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.