John Maddison Morton

John Maddison Morton was a prominent English playwright and writer in the 19th century. He was born in 1811 and died in 1891. Morton is best known for his works in the genre of farce and his influence on the popular theater of his time.

Morton was a prolific writer, and his plays were known for their wit and humor. He believed that theater should be entertaining and that it was the duty of the playwright to create works that would delight and amuse audiences. His principles were reflected in his plays, which were filled with clever wordplay, physical comedy, and absurd situations.

Morton was famous for his farces, which were plays that relied on humor and exaggeration to create a lighthearted and comedic atmosphere. Some of his notable works include "Box and Cox," "A Cure for the Heartache," and "A Most Unwarrantable Intrusion." His plays were immensely popular during his lifetime and continue to be performed today.

Morton's philosophy was one of entertainment and escapism. He believed that theater should provide a means of escaping the drudgery and monotony of everyday life and that it was the job of the playwright to create works that would allow audiences to forget their troubles and simply enjoy themselves.

Morton died in 1891, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most influential playwrights of his time and his works continue to be performed and enjoyed today. His plays have been adapted into numerous films and television shows, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary writers and comedians.

One interesting fact about Morton is that he was a close friend of Charles Dickens and even collaborated with him on a play called "The Frozen Deep." The play was performed as a benefit for the families of the crew members who died on the ill-fated expedition of the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, which were lost during an attempt to discover the Northwest Passage. Dickens and Morton's collaboration was a huge success and helped to raise a significant amount of money for the families of the lost crew members.

In conclusion, John Maddison Morton was a prolific and influential playwright whose works continue to be enjoyed and performed today. He believed in the power of theater to entertain and provide an escape from everyday life, and his plays reflect this philosophy. His farces and comedies were immensely popular during his lifetime, and his legacy as a writer and entertainer continues to be celebrated today.