Master Betty
William Henry West Betty (13 September 1791 in Shrewsbury – 24 August 1874 in London) was a popular child actor of the early nineteenth century, known as "the Young Roscius.
William Betty first showed his desire for the stage at the age of eleven when, in 1802, his father took the young boy to Belfast to watch Sheridan's Pizarro, starring Sarah Siddons in the role of Elvira.
"[2] Not long after meeting Atkins, Betty was introduced to the theatrical prompter Thomas Hough, so he could direct, train, and mentor young William in the role of Osman in Voltaire's Zair.
After some hard planning, it was settled, and on 11 August 1803, the eleven-year-old William Henry West Betty debuted professionally as the well-known Osman.
His parents then had Betty tour in Scotland and England in 1804, where he was treated with thunderous applause as he reprised past roles such as Young Norval in Douglas.
Home, the author of Douglas, came to watch Betty and claimed that he "considered it the only performance where Young Norval was played according to his conception of the character.
On 1 December 1804, guards were hired to handle the anxious crowd at the doors of the Covent Garden Theatre waiting to get a glimpse of the child sensation.
George III himself presented Betty to the queen, and it is claimed - though unproven - that William Pitt upon one occasion adjourned the House of Commons that members might be in time for his performance.
Betty remained a major attraction through the 1804 and 1805 London seasons: he appeared on the stages of the two patent theatres in alternation, although actors were generally contracted to one or the other.
Messrs. ROBERTSON and MANLY, most desirous of manifesting their respect for the town Stamford and its vicinity, have the satisfaction of announcing the appearance of The celebrated YOUNG ROSCIUS Three Nights during the Mart, 9th, 10th, & 11th March.
They have gladly availed themselves on this occasion of presenting to the very liberal patrons of the Theatre this distinguished young Actor, whose extraordinary talents cannot fail of contributing highly to the pleasures of their season.
[8] Provincial theatres raising their ticket prices in order to cover the higher fees charged by well known actors on tour in the provinces did not go unnoticed or without comment.
What a monument of fame might both Father and Son; easily raise if the latter were, in the Provincial Towns in which he performs, to appear one night in support of every neighbouring Institution for the relief of infirmity and distress.
[10] He declined accepting Robertson's proposals for Wisbech, Peterboro' &c. as he was immediately going into the North for the whole of the summer" reported the British Press on 30 March 1807.
His son, Henry Betty, also made a minor career as an actor appearing for instance at Spalding theatre for Fanny Robertson in October 1839.
He is buried with his wife and son on the east side of Highgate Cemetery with an unusual memorial of his own design, which now requires an effort of imagination to recreate its splendour from the pieces that remain.
