About the Author

Dr Russell is a graduate of the London School of Economics, and holds an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He has held teaching positions at the Universities of Toronto, McGill (Montreal), and York (Toronto). He was a Deputy Minister in the Government of Ontario for many years.

Since his retirement Dr Russell has pursued a life-long interest in English theatre history. Shortly he expects to complete a work entitled Life in the Georgian Theatre: George Yarnold, Comedian, 1792-1847. In addition to the British Library, Theatre Museum and other sources in London, this work has involved extensive research in libraries and archives throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, including most recently Berkeley Castle. Drawn from the mass of accumulated research material, he has also produced a series annotated chronicles of performances, actors and events during George Yarnold’s 20 years at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Part 1 of the Drury Lane Chronicles is now made available online and deals with the tenure of Stephen Price, the controversial American impresario, in 1826-30.

From his research, Dr Russell has also created a series of presentations on The Roots of Modern Repertory: Life in the Georgian Theatre. Fully illustrated with period images, they have been well received at the Toronto Reference Library and several branch libraries, and other Ontario public libraries. Recently they have attracted 150 members of the University of Toronto Continuing Education programme, and similar numbers at University Womens and PROBUS clubs in southern Ontario.

His other activities have included: President of the Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery, Oshawa; Founding Member of Heritage Toronto (the heritage agency of the City of Toronto); Founding President of the Toronto Historical Association (an advocacy group for area historical and heritage societies); and a Board Member, Todmorden Mills Museum & Art Gallery.

Dr Russell is a member of the Society for Theatre Research, and various historical and genealogy societies.

Drury Lane Chronicles, Part 1, 1826-27

Terry Russell