Coppin the Great

George Seith Coppin (1819-1906), known as 'father of the Australian Theatre', a 'low comedian', was also impresario, adventurer, politician and philanthropist. This biography is based mainly on material made available by the late Miss Lucy Coppin: her father's books, journals, biographical notes, press cut-tings, playbills, and Coppin's personal letters. From an early age he acted with his parents in a troupe of strolling players in England and the colour-and uncertainties-of this life are vivid