The film achieved the aim of Wilcox to emulate the success of "Nell Gwynn" the previous year using the same leads, much of the supporting cast and technical crew.
There really were several Beefsteak Clubs in 18th century London. Allegedly Garrick was a member of "The Sublime Society of Beefsteaks", created in 1735 by John Rich (the manager in the movie). Peg is taken to Ye Cheshire Cheese Public House which now, as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese can still be visited at 145 Fleet Street, Wine House Court, London. The wooden interiors have Historic Listing status.
David Garrick (1717-1779) was famous for first performing Shakespeare in a more natural way. Onstage from 1741, he staged the first Shakespeare Festival at Stratford-upon-Avon in 1769 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Hardwicke's posture, costume and elements of the set as Richard III are based on Hogarth's famous 1745 portrait of his friend Garrick. It now hangs in the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK.
As well as the scenes from Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, As You Like It and Richard III, Garrick puts on a false nose for Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' and Nell prepares for 'The Rival Queens' by Nathanial Lee.