Paul Pry (play)

Unable to mind his own business, he's an interfering busybody who conveniently leaves behind an umbrella everywhere he goes in order to have an excuse to return and eavesdrop.

[2] Rumors abounded that the Pry character was based on the eccentric Thomas ("Tommy") Hill, editor of the Dramatic Mirror, who took daily walks with Poole at Kensington Gardens.

[6] However, Poole was quoted in magazines as saying, "The idea was really suggested by an old invalid lady who lived in a very narrow street, and who amused herself by speculating on the neighbors, and identifying them, as it were, by the sound of the knocks they gave...

"[7] In the original 1825 London production, Madame Vestris sang "Cherry Ripe",[2] and John Liston portrayed the title character.

[10] It returned to London's Adelphi Theatre, for the 1851–52 season, featuring Edward Richard Wright and Sarah Woolgar, receiving extensive, positive press comment.