Having appeared as George Barnwell and sustained other characters in various country towns, he joined the manager of the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin.
[2] Aickin had commenced business as a hosier in York Street, Covent Garden, and obtained the patronage of certain members of the Royal family.
He closed his shop in 1787 on the death of his first wife, an Irish lady of family and some fortune, and entered upon the management of the Liverpool Theatre.
[2][b] He was of pleasing person, good judgement, his voice was sonorous and distinct, and from his success in the impassioned declamatory parts of tragedy he obtained the nickname of "Tyrant Aickin"—"a character in private life no man was more the reverse of, either in temper or the duties of friendship".
[2] Nor did all his merit lie in tragedy; in the serious parts of comedy, such as Sir John Flowerdale in the School for Fathers, the pleasing harmony of his tones, and his precision of expression were of great service to the performance.