MEAD

Thomas , stage name of Thomas Pre scott (son of a Methodist minister). b. Cambridge 22 Aug. 1819; ran away from home and first appeared on the stage as Orozembo in Pizarro at Devonport theatre 1841; played in the provinces 1841–8; first appeared in London at Victoria theatre as sir Giles Overreach 28 Nov. 1848; played at Surrey theatre 1849–52 and leading parts at Drury Lane 1852–4; shared the lead with T. Swinbourne at T.R. Manchester 1854; a prominent member of Mrs. Seymour’s company at St. James’s theatre, played duke of Richmond in Taylor and Reade’s King’s Rival opening night 2 Oct. 1854; played at Queen’s theatre, Edinburgh, Jany. to July 1856; leading actor at New Grecian theatre 1858; played at Sadler’s Wells and Prince ’s, where he was the original Isaac Levy in Charles Reade’s Never too late to mend 4 Oct. 1865; le ee and manager of Elephant and Castle theatre, London 1873–4 where his pantomime Babes in the wood was produced 26 Dec. 1873; played the leading part in Charles Reade’s drama Rachel the Reaper, at Queen’s theatre 9 March 1874; played in Shake spear i an revivals at Lyceum theatre 1875 to death; his two best parts were the Priest in Louis XI. and the Ghost in Hamlet; author of The Coquette, 3 act play produced at Hay market 8 July 1867; The lady of the Rose and other poems 1881, with portrait. d. New north road, Isling ton, London 17 Feb. 1889. bur. High gate lower cemetery 22 Feb. Tallis’s Drawing room table book (1851) part 9, portrait ; The Players , i 193 (1860), portrait ; Theatre , xiii 172 (1889).