Holcroft, Thomas (1745–1809)

English dramatist and novelist. In his first novel, Alwyn, or the Gentleman Comedian 1780, he describes his experience as a strolling actor. He went on to publish numerous comedies and comic operas, as well as novels and translations. These include Duplicity 1781; his translation of Beaumarchais's Le Mariage de Figaro (which he produced at Covent Garden 1784, playing the title role himself); The Road to Ruin 1792; and his musical adaptation A Tale of Mystery, acted at Covent Garden 1802.

Holcroft was born in London. He was successively stableboy, shoemaker, tutor, and actor, and in 1783 he visited Paris as correspondent of the Morning Herald.