Phelps Samuel

Phelps, Samuel (180G-78), an actor of the school of Macready, was born at Devonport, and made his first appearance in London at the Haymarket in 1837. The representations of the plays of the best English dramatists which took place during his management of Sadler's Wells (1844-02) were unsurpassed both as regards the acting and the scenic accessories. Refined comedy was Phelps's true sphere, and in such parts as Bottom, Shallow, and Sir Peter Teazle he was almost unrivalled.