Henry Irving as Robespierre

Irving became a professional actor in 1856, and learned his trade in regional theatres until 1866, when he came to London. He joined the Lyceum Theatre company under the management of H.L. Bateman in 1871, winning great acclaim that year for his psychologically developed characterisation of the guilt-ridden inn-keeper Mathias in Leopold Lewis’s melodrama The Bells. He took on the responsibilities of ‘actor-manager’ in 1878 when he assumed the management of the Lyceum, and remained there until 1902, enjoying star status with his leading lady Ellen Terry (1847-1928). Irving produced a diverse range of old and new plays at the Lyceum, including Shakespeare, historical drama, and literary adaptations. His tireless work to elevate the status of the theatrical profession was rewarded in 1895 when he became the first actor ever to receive a knighthood for services to the theatre.

This drawing shows Irving in his 1899 production of the play Robespierre, by Victorien Sardou (1831-1908). Set in 1794, the play focuses on the historical figure of Maximilien Robespierre (1758-1794), though the story is fictional. It was produced on a spectacular scale, with a cast of 69 actors and over 100 extras to make up the crowd scenes.