George Herbert Rogers

[1] Rogers was promoted corporal (and sergeant)[2] and showing talent in regimental theatricals, had his discharge purchased by public subscription.

[2] Rogers took to the stage[2] and was playing with a local company when he was engaged by George Selth Coppin who was visiting Hobart.

Under Coppin's management he played in Australia's leading cities and by the beginning of 1848 had established a great reputation in old men's parts, although not yet 30 years of age.

[2] For a time Rogers drew a large salary but later fell into misfortune and was in poor health for the final two years before his death at Melbourne on 12 February 1872.

He was as inimitable in burlesque as in serious drama, and played such diverse parts as the Widow Twankey in Aladdin, Falstaff, Antonio in The Merchant of Venice and Fagin in Oliver Twist.