Farley, Charles

1771

1859

Born in London in 1771, Charles Farley was a call boy at Covent Garden Theatre before he made his stage debut there as Prince Edward in “Richard III”, at the age of 13, on 11 October 1784. By the 1790s he grew to adult parts and during his 50 years at that theatre his repertoire was greater than that of any actor of his time. Many of his hundreds of roles were short and anonymous, consisting of footmen and shepherds and dancing in choruses, but some were Shakespearean clowns and fools (Cloten, Osric, Roderigo) and, especially, leading roles in melodramas and pantomimes. His portrayal of the dumb Francisco in “The Tale of Mystery” (G0203) was in the words of John Doran ‘as eloquent and touching as though he had a hundred tongues all tuned to tell with irresistible force a tale of suffering.’ Canton in “The Clandestine Marriage” (shown in Clint’s canvas G0216) was one of his best French parts, according to Doran, and in his representation of similar fop roles, like Jessamy in “Bon Ton” (G0204), ‘his voice assisted him, for he had a curious bubbling sound, which he could less control as his very remarkable nose grew larger and larger.’ His best roles were Grindoff in “The Miller and his Men” and the title role in “Timour the Tartar”. By 1801-2 he was devising ballets and pantomimes for Covent Garden. Among his popular successes were “Raymond and Agnes” (March 1797) and “The Magic Oak” (January 1799). He made significant contributions to numerous other pantomimes to which others had their names attached. Joseph Knight in the DNB claimed that as a theatrical machinist ‘in his time he was without equal.’ Farley retired from the stage in 1834 and died at his house, No 42, Ampthill Square, Hampstead Road, on 28 January 1859. Farley was a promoter and staunch supporter of the Covent Garden Theatrical Fund. He was one of the original members of the Garrick Club in 1831. (BDA)