The Melbourne Garrick Club was an association of people with interests in the theatre, founded in 1855 in Melbourne, Australia, and disbanded around 1866 after the death of one of its "leading lights".
History The club, whose aims were "the cultivation of dramatic literature and art, and the occasional production of dramatic representations in aid of charitable and other purposes", was founded with around 50 members, including: President: Richard Hengist Horne, the poet and critic, "Orion" Vice-president James Smith of The Argus Secretary: Dr James Edward Neild Treasurer: James Coates Other members included: Sir William A'Beckett (Chief Justice) William M. Akhurst, journalist and writer of burlesques S. H. Banks W. B. Baxter Alfred Bliss, auctioneer of Bliss & Joy Charles Edward Bright G. V. Brooke H. A. Bruce John Buckley Castieau of Beechworth J. H. Deorwyn (c. 1623 – 6 August 1888), actor John Edwards jun. (born 1836 in Launceston), barrister, "the Collingwood chicken" R. Henningham W. J. Henningham W. B. Hickling G. J. Hough George H. R. Ireland William Levev Archibald Michie journalist and politician Thomas Pavey, solicitor G. H. Rogers, actor, comedian Dr Clement Sconce James Smith Henry Gyles Turner Theodore W. Whipham W. H. Williams William John Wilson, theatrical scene painter Richard Younge, stage manager The club was formed at "Williams' dining rooms" in Elizabeth Street; later meetings were held at the Kelly's Argus Hotel, adjacent The Argus newspaper offices. It went into recess around 1866. One of its last activities was a concert to raise money for a memorial to the great actor G. V. Brooke.
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