English dramatist and essayist, usually called 'the Elder' to distinguish him from his son, George Colman the Younger. Born in Florence, he lost his father at a young age and his education was supervised by Lord Bath, his mother's brother-in-law. He was educated at Westminster and Oxford, where he met the parodist Bonnell Thornton. Together they founded the periodical 'The Connoisseur', which lasted for two years. After Oxford, he trained at Lincoln's Inn and was called to the Bar in 1757. While practising as a Barrister he met the actor David Garrick, who promoted his interest in the stage.In 1760 he produced the successful 'Polly Honeycomb', following it a year later with 'The Jealous Wife'. Having achieved success and independent means, thanks to a bequest from Lord Bath, he turned his attention to producing plays full-time. He purchased a share in the Covent Garden Theatre, and was acting manager for several years during which time he produced several Shakespeare plays, 'adapted' for Georgian tastes.In 1768 he was elected to the Literary Club. In 1774 he sold his share in Covent Garden and later purchased the Haymarket theatre. He suffered a stroke in 1785 but, despite failing health, survived for several more years.
English dramatist and essayist, usually called 'the Elder' to distinguish him from his son, George Colman the Younger. Born in Florence, he lost his father at a young age and his education was supervised by Lord Bath, his mother's brother-in-law. He was educated at Westminster and Oxford, where he met the parodist Bonnell Thornton. Together they founded the periodical 'The Connoisseur', which lasted for two years. After Oxford, he trained at Lincoln's Inn and was called to the Bar in 1757. While practising as a Barrister he met the actor David Garrick, who promoted his interest in the stage.In 1760 he produced the successful 'Polly Honeycomb', following it a year later with 'The Jealous Wife'. Having achieved success and independent means, thanks to a bequest from Lord Bath, he turned his attention to producing plays full-time. He purchased a share in the Covent Garden Theatre, and was acting manager for several years during which time he produced several Shakespeare plays, 'adapted' for Georgian tastes.In 1768 he was elected to the Literary Club. In 1774 he sold his share in Covent Garden and later purchased the Haymarket theatre. He suffered a stroke in 1785 but, despite failing health, survived for several more years.
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