JOHN

See also:

• RICH, BARNABE (c. 1540-1617)
• RICH, CLAUDIUS JAMES (1787-1821)
• JOHN RICH (1692-1761)
• RICH, PENELOPE, LADY (c. 1562–1607)
• RICH, RICHARD, 1ST BARON RICH (1490?-1567)

RICH (1692-1761)  , English actor, the father of English pantomime," was the son of Christopher Rich (d . 1714), the manager of Drury Lane, with whose quarrels and tyrannies Colley Cibber's Apology is much occupied . John Rich opened the new theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields left unfinished by his father, and here, in 1716, under the stage name of Lun, he first appeared as Harlequin in an unnamed entertainment which developed into an annual pantomine (q.v.) . By this departure he made successful headway in his competition with the stronger company at Drury Lane, including Cibber, Wilks and Booth . Rich was less happy in his management of Covent Garden, which he opened in 1733, until Garrick's arrival (1746), when RICH, RICHARD (fl . 16ro), English soldier and adventurer, a most prosperous season ensued, followed by a bad one when the author of Newes from Virginia, sailed from England on Garrick went to Dury Lane . During Rich's management the 2nd of June 1609 for Virginia, with Captain Christopher occurred the rival performances of Romeo and Juliet—Barry Newport and the three commissioners entrusted with the and Mrs Cibber at Covent Garden, and Garrick and Miss Bellamy foundation of the new colony . In his verse pamphlet he at Dury Lane—and the subsequent competition between the relates the adventures undergone by the expedition, and two rival actors in King Lear . Rich died on the 26th of Nov- describes the resources of the new country, with the advantages ember 1761 . Garrick's lines show that his acting was panto- offered to colonists . The title ' runs: Newes from Virginia . mime pure and simple, without words:— The lost Flocke Triumphant .

With the happy Arrivall of that When Lun appeared, with matchless

art and whim, I famous and worthy Knight Sr . Thomas Gates: and the well- He gave the power of speech to every limb: reputed and valiant Captaine Mr Christopher Newport, and Tho' masked and mute, conveyed his quick intent, others, into England .