Ann Brunton Merry
Encyclopedia
Ann Brunton Merry was an actress. She was the daughter of John Brunton, an actor and manager of the Norwich Theatre. In February, 1785, Miss Brunton first appeared at the theatre in Bath as Euphrasia in The Grecian Daughter, which was followed by other leading parts, and on 17 October of the same year she made her debut at Covent Garden
theatre in London as Horatio in The Roman Father. Here she attained great distinction, and by many was rated second only to Mrs. Siddons
.
In 1792 Miss Brunton married Robert Merry, known in literature as "Delia Crusca," a lieutenant
in the horse-guards, who was an amateur playwright and a man of letters. He had rapidly run through his patrimony, but at that time still figured in fashionable circles. She at once retired from the theatre, and went with her husband to Paris, but when their means were entirely exhausted she wished to return to her former occupation. Family considerations on the part of Mr. Merry prevented her return to the London stage
, but an offer that was made through Thomas Wignell, of the Philadelphia theatre, was readily accepted.
The couple arrived in New York City, 19 October 1796. Mrs. Merry renewed her career at the playhouse in Philadelphia on 5 December of the same year as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet
. From 1797 until 1808 she performed with undiminished success in the large cities of the United States. Mr. Merry died in 1798, and in 1803 his widow married Thomas Wignell, who died soon afterward. In 1806 she became the wife of William Warren
. Among her important roles were Calista in The Fair Penitent, Alica in Jane Shore, Isabella in The Fatal Dowry, and Monominia in The Orphan. She was the first actress of eminence that crossed the Atlantic, and easily held her own against all rivalry. His sister, Louisa Brunton, with whom she is sometimes confounded, was a distinguished performer on the London stage in later years, and became Countess of Craven.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. The large building is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden", after a previous use of the site of the opera house's original construction in 1732. It is the home of The Royal Opera, The...
theatre in London as Horatio in The Roman Father. Here she attained great distinction, and by many was rated second only to Mrs. Siddons
Sarah Siddons
Sarah Siddons was a Welsh actress, the best-known tragedienne of the 18th century. She was the elder sister of John Philip Kemble, Charles Kemble, Stephen Kemble, Ann Hatton and Elizabeth Whitlock, and the aunt of Fanny Kemble. She was most famous for her portrayal of the Shakespearean character,...
.
In 1792 Miss Brunton married Robert Merry, known in literature as "Delia Crusca," a lieutenant
Lieutenant
A lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer in many nations' armed forces. Typically, the rank of lieutenant in naval usage, while still a junior officer rank, is senior to the army rank...
in the horse-guards, who was an amateur playwright and a man of letters. He had rapidly run through his patrimony, but at that time still figured in fashionable circles. She at once retired from the theatre, and went with her husband to Paris, but when their means were entirely exhausted she wished to return to her former occupation. Family considerations on the part of Mr. Merry prevented her return to the London stage
Stage (theatre)
In theatre or performance arts, the stage is a designated space for the performance productions. The stage serves as a space for actors or performers and a focal point for the members of the audience...
, but an offer that was made through Thomas Wignell, of the Philadelphia theatre, was readily accepted.
The couple arrived in New York City, 19 October 1796. Mrs. Merry renewed her career at the playhouse in Philadelphia on 5 December of the same year as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the career of playwright William Shakespeare about two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare's most popular archetypal stories of young, teenage lovers.Romeo and Juliet belongs to a...
. From 1797 until 1808 she performed with undiminished success in the large cities of the United States. Mr. Merry died in 1798, and in 1803 his widow married Thomas Wignell, who died soon afterward. In 1806 she became the wife of William Warren
William Warren (elder actor)
William Warren was an actor. His first appearance was as Young Norval in Home's tragedy of Douglas. Soon afterward, Warren came to this country, making his debut at Baltimore, Maryland, as Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet...
. Among her important roles were Calista in The Fair Penitent, Alica in Jane Shore, Isabella in The Fatal Dowry, and Monominia in The Orphan. She was the first actress of eminence that crossed the Atlantic, and easily held her own against all rivalry. His sister, Louisa Brunton, with whom she is sometimes confounded, was a distinguished performer on the London stage in later years, and became Countess of Craven.