A scene in his novel
Paul Kelver has the young protagonist accompanying his parents to their first performance of a play, which to their surprise appears orderly and not too worldly. Though he never played for his parents, Jerome's plays have a moral tone and didacticism that reflect his Nonconformist upbringing. These attitudes are apparent in most of Jerome's writing.
Jerome's three years on the stage in the mid-1870s provided the subject matter of books now valued for their documentation of the days of melodrama, the pantomime, the fit-up in the popular theaters of London's East End as well as in the repertory and touring companies. He began with youthful exuberance in Astley's huge theater just over Westminster Bridge, playing any needed part (that is, acting as the "responsible") in Murray Wood's Dolly Varden and Little Nell; in Lost in London; and in one of the many Mazeppas. He followed these roles with three years of makeshift living with the touring and repertory companies.
Upon leaving the stage, he tried various clerical jobs along with "penny-a-lining" journalism and decided to write about his experiences as an aspiring actor.
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