Men of Kent and Kentishmen/John Bannister
John Bannister,
Comedian,
Was born at Deptford 12th May, 1760. He entered as a student at the Royal Academy, but subsequently adopted his father's profession of the stage. His first appearance took place at the Haymarket Theatre on 27th August, 1778. He subsequently transferred himself to Drury Lane and Covent Garden. His first creation of importance was the part of Don Whiskerandos in the "Critic," at Drury Lane, 29th October, 1779. By the year 1787 his professional character was established. The parts of Sir Anthony Absolute, Sir Fretful Plagiary, Tony Lambkin, Bob Acres, and Dr. Pangloss were some which he particularly made his own. He died in Cower Street, 7th November, 1836, and was buried, with all professional honours, beside his father, in St. Martin's-in-the-Fields. There is a portrait of him in the Garrick Club, by Russell, R.A. His memoirs have been published by John Adolphus, 2 vols., 1838, (q. v.) See also "Genest's English Stage," etc.