George Colman (1732-1794) was an influential English playwright and theater manager of the 18th century. He is best known for his witty comedies that satirized the social and cultural norms of his time.
Born in Florence, Italy, Colman belonged to a family of actors and learned the skills of the theater from an early age. He made his name as a successful theater manager at the Haymarket Theatre in London, where he produced a wide range of plays and introduced numerous innovations to the theatrical landscape.
As a playwright, Colman is often associated with the genre of "comedy of manners," which focused on the foibles and pretensions of the upper class. His works, such as "The Jealous Wife" (1761) and "The Clandestine Marriage" (1766, co-authored with David Garrick), combined sharp social commentary with clever wordplay and unforgettable characters.
Colman's plays were immensely popular during his lifetime and brought him considerable fame and financial success. In addition to his contributions as a playwright and manager, Colman was also a highly regarded critic, journalist, and poet. His writings appeared in various publications, and he maintained a lively correspondence with prominent literary figures of his time, including Samuel Johnson and Oliver Goldsmith.
Overall, George Colman is remembered as one of the leading figures of Georgian theater, whose works continue to be performed and appreciated for their wit, satire, and enduring comedic genius.
