Margaret Woffington

Margaret "Peg" Woffington (18 October 1720 – 28 March 1760) was a well-known Irish actress in Georgian London.

Woffington was born of humble origins in Dublin. Her father is thought to have been a bricklayer, and after his death, the family became impoverished. Her mother was obliged to take in washing while Peg sold watercress door to door. It is said that she was walking through a marketplace as a pre-teen and happened upon Madame Violante, a famous tightrope walker.

Signora Violante was so immediately enthralled by Peg’s beautiful face that she accompanied Peg home and asked her mother permission to take Peg in as his apprentice.

Around 1730, Madame Violante featured Peg as Polly Peachum in a production of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. This served as a springboard for Woffington’s fame in Dublin, and she continued dancing and acting in the area – playing Dorinda in an adaptation of The Tempest as the Theatre Royal, Dublin in 1735 and joining the Smock Alley Theatre to perform with well known actor, David Garrick.

She danced and acted at various Dublin theaters until her success as Sir Harry Wildair in The Constant Couple led to her being given her London debut at Covent Garden; she became well known as an actress thereafter.

Woffington enjoyed success in the role of Sylvia in The Recruiting Officer. She performed at Drury Lane for several years and later returned to Dublin, appearing in a variety of plays. Her most well-received performances were in comic roles, such as elegant women of fashion like Lady Betty Modish and Lady Townley, and breeches roles. She was impeded in the performance of tragedy by a harsh tone in her voice that she strove to eliminate.

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