Robert Dighton - D10685
Stephen Kemble ('Hamlet in Scotland')
by and published by Robert Dighton
published 6 December 1794
NPG D10685
Portraits in Profile: the Dighton Family
Robert
Dighton
1751-1814
NPG D10685
'Hamlet in Scotland', Stephen Kemble
(1758-1822), published
1794
Actor, manager and writer, Stephen Kemble was the brother of
John Philip Kemble, Charles Kemble and Sarah Siddons.
After feuds over tenancy, and much criticism, Kemble finally
took over the management of the Theatre Royal in Edinburgh, opening
with a production of 'Hamlet' in January 1794; his brother John
playing the lead role. Stephen Kemble's large girth is the focus
of attention here; he eventually weighed over eighteen stone
despite being only five feet nine inches tall.
