[5] One of his early acting performances was in 1829 as Colonel Freelove in The Day after the Wedding or A Wife's First Lesson adapted by Maria Theresa Kemble from the original French comedy.

According to The Era, the dramatic and music hall newspaper of the time: he was originally intended for a commercial life, but his love for the Drama speedily changed the directions of his pursuits.

For some years he was a light comedian at the Birmingham and other country Theatres, and in 1840 he was engaged by Mr Rouse at the Grecian Saloon.

Though he never entirely gave up the Stage as a profession, having been a member of the Haymarket company up to the time of his decease, it will as an industrious playwright for the minor Theatres that his name will be most familiar to the public.

Source:[9] John Courtney appeared on stage as Colonel Freelove in 1829 in the comedy The Day after the Wedding, or A Wife's First Lesson by Maria Theresa Kemble.

He played Gaylove in The Hunchback by James Sheridan Knowles at Windsor Castle attended by Queen Victoria and Lord Palmerston, Prime Minister on 11 January 1860.

Thomas Hailes Lacy published and co-adapted The Cook of Kennington or No Followers Allowed co-written by D W Osbalidston The Gunsmith of Orleans or The Dead Women's Secret book written by Eliza Sheridan published in 1847 Jane Eyre or The Secrets of Thornfield Manor was the first theatrical production (performed in 1848) of Charlotte Brontë's novel.

1870s: Olympia Dramatic Club, Royal Albert Hall, Kings Cross Theatre, St George’s Hall, Vincent Dramatic Company, and in California and other US states.1880s: Royal Artillery Theatre, other locations.Thomas Hailes Lacy publisher, Miss Emma Barrett starred Aug 1861, Amy Sedgwick played Laura Leeson and chose the part for her return to the Theatre Mar 1862, Sidney Frances Bateman starred Dec 1865 Frank Wildeye or The Spendthrift Husband co-written by D W Osbaldiston The Green Hills of Surrey co-written by D W Osbaldiston.

The Green Hills of Surrey is also a poem written by William Cox Bennett The Heir of Ashmore or Time's Story co-written by D W Osbaldiston The Soldier's Progress or The Horrors of War also performed in Provincial Theatres Jan 1850, Mar 1850, Jun 1850.

Manchester Jul 1850 (ten nights) and Aug 1852, Penzance Mar 1851, Dublin Apr 1853, St George’s Hall Dec 1855.