Partner Property
Garrick’s Temple: Find out more about Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, or visit their website.
About the talk
A glimpse into the gastronomic delights of Garrick’s closest acquaintances: James Quin could effortlessly drink his host under the table; Dr Johnson had an insatiable thirst for rotten meat and strawberries and cream. It was a time when ladies were required to sit quietly, almost silently, at one end of the dining table while gentlemen sat uproariously at the other. The spotlight, though, will concentrate largely on Dr Johnson, who suffered from binge-eating and engaged in inappropriate compensatory behaviour to help control his weight. But then, according to the wise doctor, “For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully; for I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly, will hardly mind anything else.”
About the speaker
Clive Francis is a successful caricaturist, playwright, and actor, having performed with both the RSC and the National Theatre and with over twenty performances in the West End. His most recent film appearances have been The Crown, Official Secrets and The Lost City of Z. He became involved with Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare, of which he is now founder member of its restoration, back in 1998, when he helped raise the initial funding for its restoration. He also obtained, thanks to the British Library, a replica of the statue to Shakespeare by Louis François Roubiliac.