Sidney's major works include Arcadia (1590), which he dedicated to his sister, Mary Herbert, Countess of Pembroke; the sonnet sequence Astrophel and Stella (1591); and a landmark essay in the history of literary criticism, The Defence of Poesie (1595).

One of the most talented and popular tragedians of the eighteenth century, Sarah Siddons was the eldest child in the theatrical Kemble family. Siddons is best remembered for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth. Deeply identifying with the character, Siddons offered a profound performance that set the standard for future portrayals.

Scottish actress, theatre manager, and daughter-in-law of Sarah Siddons.

The primary antagonist in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is a Venetian Jewish moneylender characterized by Jewish stereotypes, such as vindictiveness and greediness. The defeat of Shylock and his subsequent conversion to Christianity form the climax of the play's plot.

Jane, probably born Elizabeth, Shore was one of the mistresses of Edward IV. Following Edward's death, Shore became mistress of Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset, also the stepson of Edward via his widow, Elizabeth Woodville. Shore also became the concubine of the powerful William Hastings, 1st Baron of Hastings. It is likely Shore helped unite the Woodville and Hastings factions against the protector, Edward's younger brother and ultimate successor, Richard III. Richard had Shore arrested shortly before taking the throne in 1483, charging her with conspiracy.

Little is known about British playwright William Shirley, though it is said that he spent time in both Britain and Portugal. He wrote a small number of plays, the most notable of which is Edward the Black Prince (1750), inspired by Shakespeare. Its debut featured David Garrick.

Probably Henrietta Maria, d.1792 (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography), née Phillips- wife of Walter Shirley (Shirley, Walter, 1725-1786 ), a Methodist clergyman and hymnist actively patronized by Lady Huntingdon. Walter Shirley coauthored A Narrative of the Most Remarkable Particulars in the Life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African Prince, as Related by Himself (1770).

English educator, poet, and dramatist, a popular playwright before Parliament's restriction of stage plays in 1642. Shirley's comedies of London court society are considered his best works, including The Wittie Faire One, Hyde Park, and The Lady of Pleasure.

An Irish actor, theater manager, and educator, Thomas Sheridan was husband to Frances Sheridan and father to Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In addition to his other pursuits, he delivered a series of lectures on elocution, which he then published in 1762, and a series on reading, published 1775.

Though few in number, some of R. B. Sheridan's plays are still well remembered. His more important work includes The Rivals (1775), The Duenna (1775), The School for Scandal (1777), The Camp (1778), and The Critic (1779).