Cartoon, John Lawrence Toole as Hamlet
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Cartoon, John Lawrence Toole as Hamlet
Cartoon of John Lawrence Toole (1830-1906), English comic actor, theatre manager and producer. Seen here in an imaginary performance of Hamlet, overshadowed by two other actors who excelled in the role, Wilson Barrett and Henry Irving.
1884
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Media ID 14400894
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1884 Actors Barrett Bryan Entracte Hamlet Imaginary Irving Lawrence Manager Monocle Overshadowed Performance Producer Role Shakespeare Shakespearean Toole Wilson
EDITORS COMMENTS
This cartoon, published in the entertainment magazine "Bryan's Entracte" in February 1884, showcases the English comic actor, theatre manager, and producer John Lawrence Toole in an imaginative portrayal of Shakespeare's tragic hero, Hamlet. The cartoon, created during the 1880s in the heart of the Victorian era, captures Toole's distinctive stage presence as he delves into the depths of the melancholic Danish prince's psyche. However, despite Toole's undeniable talent and dedication to the role, the cartoon underscores the overshadowing presence of two other prominent Hamlet actors of the time: Wilson Barrett and Henry Irving. Both Barrett and Irving had already established themselves as masterful interpreters of the character, leaving Toole in their wake. Toole's Hamlet is depicted here with a monocle, a common accessory for Victorian gentlemen, adding an air of sophistication to his portrayal. The cartoonist's use of exaggerated expressions and body language highlights the intense emotions and internal turmoil that Hamlet experiences throughout the play. Despite the competition from more renowned actors, Toole's passion for Shakespearean theatre never wavered. His commitment to the stage and his innovative approach to producing and managing theatre made him a significant figure in the Victorian theatre scene. This cartoon serves as a testament to Toole's undying love for the Bard and his unwavering dedication to bringing Shakespeare's works to life on stage.
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