Frederick Bate was a close associate of Robert Owen but a rather shadowy figure about whome little is recorded. He was quite clearly influenced by Owen's ideas and was described as "an Owenite philanthropist." As a young man, Bate was a member of a group of young friends of the Social System in London who evolved the idea of producing a play to promote the principles of the "Radical and social system." Bate was prevailed upon to write the play, which he did in six weeks, it being first performed at the Burton Street Rooms, the London headquarters of the Owenites at the end of 1836. How many performances were produced or for how long the play ran is unclear. Cf. Bookseller's note.
From the description of The student : a play / by F. Bate ; correctly given as it was performed, by amateur ladies and gentlemen, at the Burton Street Rooms. [1838] (Johns Hopkins University). WorldCat record id: 57708239
