Book Description

Charles Mathews was an English theatre manager and comic actor, well known during his time for his gift of impersonation and skill at table entertainment. His versatility and originality were displayed in his one man show, or "monodramatic entertainment," entitled "At Home" or "Matthews at Home." He played every character, and combined mimicry, storytelling, recitations, improvisation, quick-change artistry, and comic song. Mathews toured the United States in 1822-1823, during which he developed impressions of American types. These were incorporated into his next show, "A Trip to America," also a great success. In 1834, he made a second tour of the United States, but fell ill. After his last appearance in New York City on 11 February 1835, he returned to England and died in June of that year.