Rich, John

Rich, John,

1692–1761, English actor-manager. Rich introduced pantomime to England, himself playing (1717–60) the role of Harlequin in annual performances. His successful production of John Gay's Beggar's Opera (1728) enabled him to build Covent GardenCovent Garden
, area in London historically containing the city's principal fruit and garden market and the Royal Opera House. The market was established in 1671 by Charles II on the site of the abbot of Westminster's convent garden, from which the area's name is derived.
..... Click the link for more information.
 Theatre, which he opened in 1732.