A Word to the Wise
Encyclopedia
A Word to the Wise is a 1770 comedy play by the Irish
writer Hugh Kelly. It was his second work after the 1767 hit False Delicacy
. Kelly was known as a supporter of the government
, and an opponent of the radical
John Wilkes
, and during the second performance of the play at a riot
broke out amongst Wilkes' supporters at the Drury Lane Theatre
and the play was subsequently withdrawn. When it was published instead Kelly wrote a long introduction defending himself and complaining about political prejudice. It was later staged by the American Company in North America
.
Kingdom of Ireland
The Kingdom of Ireland refers to the country of Ireland in the period between the proclamation of Henry VIII as King of Ireland by the Crown of Ireland Act 1542 and the Act of Union in 1800. It replaced the Lordship of Ireland, which had been created in 1171...
writer Hugh Kelly. It was his second work after the 1767 hit False Delicacy
False Delicacy
False Delicacy is a 1768 comic play by the Irish playwright Hugh Kelly with some assistance by David Garrick. It premiered at the Drury Lane Theatre on 23 January 1768. The play was a major success for Kelly. It was acted over twenty times during its first season and within a year ten thousand...
. Kelly was known as a supporter of the government
North Ministry
The North Ministry governed the Kingdom of Great Britain from 1770 until 1782. Overseeing in this time the Falklands Crisis, the Gordon Riots and much of the American War of Independence. It was headed by the Tory politician Lord North and served under George III.-Membership:...
, and an opponent of the radical
Radicalism (historical)
The term Radical was used during the late 18th century for proponents of the Radical Movement. It later became a general pejorative term for those favoring or seeking political reforms which include dramatic changes to the social order...
John Wilkes
John Wilkes
John Wilkes was an English radical, journalist and politician.He was first elected Member of Parliament in 1757. In the Middlesex election dispute, he fought for the right of voters—rather than the House of Commons—to determine their representatives...
, and during the second performance of the play at a riot
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
broke out amongst Wilkes' supporters at the Drury Lane Theatre
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is a West End theatre in Covent Garden, in the City of Westminster, a borough of London. The building faces Catherine Street and backs onto Drury Lane. The building standing today is the most recent in a line of four theatres at the same location dating back to 1663,...
and the play was subsequently withdrawn. When it was published instead Kelly wrote a long introduction defending himself and complaining about political prejudice. It was later staged by the American Company in North America
British America
For American people of British descent, see British American.British America is the anachronistic term used to refer to the territories under the control of the Crown or Parliament in present day North America , Central America, the Caribbean, and Guyana...
.