Lillo

Lillo, George (1693-1739), an English dramatist, whose father was a Dutch jeweller, was born in London. He followed his father's trade, but in 1730 made his reputation as a dramatist by The London Merchant; or, the History of George Bamwell. It became a, stock play at Drury Lane, and used, until quite recently, to be performed every Shrove Tuesday at the Theatre Royal, Manchester. In 1796 Mrs. Siddons and Charles Kemble played in it at Covent Garden. Another play by lillo, Fatal Curiosity, brought out by Fielding at the Haymarket in 1736 or 1737, was also highly popular.

Mrs. Siddons and the Kembles played in Mackenzie's version, called The Shipwreck, in 1797 at Drury Lane. George Barn well was the first English domestic drama of merit.