Charles Macklin and Arthur Murphy: theatre, law and an eighteenth-century London Irish diaspora

ABSTRACT This essay examines the litigation of the Irish actor, Charles Macklin (1699?–1797), born in Culdaff. co. Donegal, setting his career as an actor and playwright within the context of legislation affecting his profession with particular reference to the period up to May 1775 and his successful prosecution, under Lord Mansfield’s ruling, against a riotous Covent Garden audience faction in 1773 who had conspired to discharge him from his contract. The essay also examines Macklin’s professional association with the Irish playwright and lawyer, Arthur Murphy (1727–1805). This connection has not been noticed before yet Macklin’s unusually wide experience of the English legal system, and his use of Murphy’s counsel, strongly suggests the existence of a specific diaspora, however, limited in scale, comprised of Irish migrants situated at the top of London’s theatrical and legal professions.