The Tragic Muse

Examiner of Plays' Summary:

A rather dull study of Mrs Siddons and her innocent love affair with Lawrence. He pleads and she sends him away sorrowfully, being virtuous. The setting is Reynold’s studio and Dr Johnson is introduced in his benevolent wisdom. The dialogue is poor. Recommended for license. G. S. Street

Researcher's Summary:

Allardyce Nicoll, ‘English Drama 1900-1930’, gives the performance date for Clare Elstob’s ‘The Tragic Muse’ as 3 January 1918 at the Margaret Morris Theatre, but the Westminster Gazette advertised a different show there on that date. Nor is it advertised at the Margaret Morris Theatre for 14 January 1918. No evidence for a performance anywhere has been found. The play’s title derives from Joshua Reynold’s painting of Sarah Siddons as The Tragic Muse (1784). See also Clare Elstob and Marguerite Storr’s ‘The Devil and The Nuns’ which was licensed for performance at the same venue at the same time.