11th OF NOVEMBER, 1827 Tickets

On the 11th of November, 1827, a historic event took place in the world of theatre. It was the night that the English actor Edmund Kean collapsed on stage during a performance of Othello at Covent Garden Theatre in London.

Kean was one of the most celebrated actors of his time, renowned for his powerful performances and dramatic presence on stage. But he had been struggling with health issues, including alcoholism and addiction to opium, which had affected his ability to perform.

During the fateful performance of Othello, Kean stumbled and fell to the ground. At first, the audience thought it was part of the show, but soon realized that something was seriously wrong. Kean was carried off stage and taken to a nearby doctor, who diagnosed him with a ruptured blood vessel in his throat.

Despite his injuries, Kean was determined to return to the stage as soon as possible. He recovered quickly and resumed his performances after just three weeks. However, his health continued to deteriorate, and he died just two years later at the age of 46.

The incident on the 11th of November, 1827, serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional toll that the theatre can take on performers. Kean's story is just one example of the sacrifices that actors have made throughout history in their pursuit of artistic excellence.

While today's theatre industry has taken steps to prioritize the well-being of its performers, the legacy of actors like Kean continues to inspire new generations of artists. The courage, dedication, and passion that Kean brought to his craft are qualities that remain essential to the world of theatre.

In remembering the events of that historic night in 1827, we pay tribute not only to Edmund Kean, but to all those who have given their lives and talents to the beloved art form of theatre.