Asperne, of the European Magazine, wrote of him at that period: 'I knew John Kemble in 1779, and he was not then half so promising a performer as William Blanchard appeared to me in 1790.

He lost money, and joined Mr. Brunton's company of players on the Norwich circuit, and took to comic parts.

His first appearance in London was made at Covent Garden on 1 October 1800 as Bob Acres, in which he succeeded remarkably, and as Crack in the musical farce of the 'Turnpike Gate.'

By the middle of his second season Mr. Harris cancelled the original arrangement for five years by re-engaging him for seven, with an increased salary.

He performed comical songs at Harper's Gardens, Norwich in August, 1808 and married Sarah Harold on 15 October of the same year.

At Covent Garden Theatre, saving only for a brief professional visit to America in 1832 (encouraged by daughter Elizabeth's husband Thomas Hamblin), Blanchard remained continuously for thirty-four years.

In the 'Scene from Love, Law, and Physic,' by George Clint, A.R.A., the original of which is preserved at the Garrick Club, lifelike portraits are introduced of Liston as Lubin Log, Mathews as Flexible, Blanchard as Dr. Camphor, and John Emery as Andrew; while in the scene from the 'Beggar's Opera' the same artist has given all but speaking likenesses of William Blanchard as Peachum, of Mrs. Davenport as Mrs. Peachum, and of Miss Anna Maria Tree as Polly.