17 Facts About Edmund Falconer

Edmund Falconer entered the theatrical world as a child, however he did not achieve fame until he was over 40.

Edmund Falconer received such rave reviews that he never had to tour the provinces again.

Two years later he changed his stage name to Edmund Falconer and wrote his first successful play, The Cagot or Heart for Heart.

Edmund Falconer's next piece was A Husband for an Hour, produced at the Haymarket Theatre in June 1857.

The year 1858 saw Edmund Falconer translate Victor Hugo's Ruy Blas, which was performed at the Princess Theatre in late 1858.

Edmund Falconer, who was said to have had boundless energy, turned his attention to theatre managing.

Edmund Falconer was not above using his position to stage his own plays.

Edmund Falconer gave up his management of the Lyceum after just a couple of years, although he resumed the role once more in 1861.

Edmund Falconer wrote The O'Flahertys and Galway-go-bragh, a dramatization of Lever's Charles O'Malley, in which he took the part of Mickey Free.

Edmund Falconer was arrested for failing to pay his mounting debts later that month and, on 26 April 1866, he was declared bankrupt and sent to prison.

Edmund Falconer remained in custody for several weeks, with his debts thought to total around 7,000 guineas.

Edmund Falconer attempted to revive his fortunes by penning a five-act drama, Oonagh, or, The Lovers Of Lismona, following his release, which was staged at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London, on 19 November 1866.

Edmund Falconer spent three successful years in America, where he acted on Broadway and continued with his writing, creating three new dramas.

Edmund Falconer married an American woman, who was his third wife.

Edmund Falconer eventually returned to London in 1871, following the success of another of his plays, A Wife Well Won, which was staged at the Haymarket Theatre, London, in his absence.

Edmund Falconer died at his home at 28 Keppel Street, Russell Square, London, on 29 September 1879 and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.

The opera The Rose of Castille, for which Edmund Falconer wrote the libretto, was very popular for several decades after his death.