David Garrick: His Life, His Times and His Temple
- drjohnsonshouse
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Lunchtime Lectures - Dr Johnson's House Series
Tuesday 27 January
12.30pm - 1.45pm
£3.96 (booking required)
Book now for this instalment of our monthly lunchtime lectures, part of an annual programme of talks held at Dr Johnson's House, kindly sponsored by The Fleet Street Quarter BID.
Join us for a talk on David Garrick, friend, pupil, and travelling companion of Dr Samuel Johnson.
In March 1737, the 26-year-old Samuel Johnson arrived in London. His travelling companion from Staffordshire was a former pupil, David Garrick, whose intention was to enrol at Lincoln's Inn for training as a lawyer. However, Garrick's life took a different route. Four years later he took to the stage as 'Richard the Third' at Goodman's Field Theatre - triggering a spectacular career as the foremost English actor of the age.
At the height of his success, Garrick created a Temple to Shakespeare in the garden of his house at Hampton, where he could entertain his friends, including of course Samuel Johnson. The Temple still exists as a museum, and as a venue for music, dance and theatre.
Ellis Jones Ellis Jones is a volunteer guide to Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, and member of its management committee. He was for 16 years a resident director at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and as head of Acting steered the training of many of today's leading players, including at least seven significant 'Hamlets'!
Your ticket includes the opportunity to look around Dr Johnson's House as well as a complimentary lunch from local business Dilieto on Fleet Street.
A sandwich lunch (meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan) along with fresh cut fruits, and bottled water will be served at this event. Please be advised that we are unable to guarantee that the food provided is free from allergens.
