The Palmy Days of Nance Oldfield (1898)

According to Wikipedia: "Anne Oldfield (1683 - 23 October 1730), English actress, was born in London, the daughter of a soldier. She worked for a time as apprentice to a seamstress, until she attracted George Farquhar's attention by reciting some lines from a play in his hearing. She thereupon obtained an engagement at Drury Lane, where her beauty rather than her ability slowly brought her into favour, and it was not until ten years later that she was generally acknowledged as the best actress of her time."