John Phillip Kemble (1757 - 1823) ~ Incidents
and Events in his Life
John Philip Kemble 'astray'
The actor-manager John Philip Kemble, once married, only once strayed. That was on an evening in January 1795 when, very drunk, he burst into the dressing room of an attractive young singer, Maria Theresa de Camp, and made to assault her. She repulsed him, but when the episode caused some gossip, Kemble put a notice in the papers:
'I, John Philip Kemble, of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, do adopt this method of publicly apologising to Miss de Camp, for the very improper and unjustifiable behaviour I was lately guilty of towards her, which I do further declare her conduct and character had in no way authorised; but on the contrary, I do know and believe both to be irreproachable'
(Text based on The Kemble Era, Kelly L., Bodley Head, London, 1980)
Writing about this incident, Ellen Donkin and Claire Tomalin quite justifiably describe it as an attempted rape.
Released in 1801 from the fatigues of management, Mr.
Kemble devoted the year 1802 to the pleasures of travel.
Having for his main object the improvement of the histrionic
art, he visited the cities of Paris and Madrid, and studied the
practice of his theatrical brethren in both those capitals.
During his residence abroad, he received the most flattering
marks of attention and respect from individuals and societies
of literary character; and formed an acquaintance with Talma,
which afterwards ripened into the closest intimacy. The following extract from a Parisian journal of that day will shew
the general interest he excited: Mr. Kernble, the celebrated actor of London, whose
arrival at Paris has been announced by the papers, possesses
a fine figure, and appears to be about forty years of age.
His hair is dark, his features are strongly marked, and he has
a physiognomy truly tragic. He understands, and speaks
with accuracy, the French language. In company he appears
thoughtful and reserved. His manners, however, are very
distinguished; and he has in his looks, when addressed, an
expression of courtesy, that affords us the best idea of his
education.
Mr. Kemble is well informed, and has the reputation of being a good grammarian. The Comedie Francaise
has received him with all the respect due to the Le Kaim of
England; they have already given him a splendid dinner, and
mean to invite him to a still more brilliant souper. Talma, to
whom he had letters of recommendation, does the honours of
Paris; they visit together our finest works, and appear to be
already united by the most friendly ties.