Mary Kent

Mary Kent was an English actress, whose career lasted from 1692 to 1718, and the wife of Drury Lane actor Thomas Kent. Her dates of birth and death are not known. Mary Kent appeared in many playbills from 1692 onwards in London, playing minor parts in the United Company until the companys tumultuous breakup in 1695. She and her husband remained with the depleted parent troupe when the senior actors walked out to set up their own cooperative company, and during the consequent brief actor shortage at Drury Lane, she played more important parts, notably Flareit in Colley Cibbers Loves Last Shift and young Tom Fashion (as a breeches role) in John Vanbrughs The Relapse in 1697. This role came at a time when it was common for boys to be portrayed by actresses and her casting was described as perhaps an attempt to defuse the homosexual suggestions in his (Tom Fashions) relationship with Coupler.She continued to appear in minor roles at Drury Lane up to 1710, and had her first and only taste of female lead roles at the theatre operated by William Penkethman at Greenwich during the summer season of 1710. After this experience she did not return to supporting roles, but instead worked at a puppet theatre from 1710 to 1714. Only when John Rich opened his new theatrical enterprise in Lincolns Inn Fields in December 1714 did she return to the stage, appearing in playbills for Richs company up to 1718.

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