William Paget (actor)

[7] In 1730 Paget was cast as Mirza in the first Masonic opera, the libretto written by William Rufus Chetwood, entitled The Generous Freemason; or, The Constant Lady.

The opera was performed at Oates and Henry Fielding's Great Theatrical Booth at the George Inn Yard in Smithfield, during the time of Bartholomew Fair.

[9] In the 1730–1731 season, he joined the Drury Lane company, when he played Peachum in John Gay's Beggar's Opera.

[13] In June 1741, Henry Giffard took a small group of actors to present a summer season at Tunkard Street Theatre, Ipswich.

Paget wrote A Voyage to Ipswich to open the plays, which includes a commemoration of Admiral Edward Vernon and his victory at Battle of Porto Bello.

[14] In October 1741, Paget played Lord Stanley in Richard III, which marked the rise to fame of David Garrick in the lead role.