 Swanston gradually came to play some of the leading Shakespearean roles in revivals, including the title parts in "Othello" and "Richard III".In the late 1630s he played the title character in George Chapman's "Bussy D'Ambois," after the previous actor in the role, Taylor, had grown too "grey" for the role of a young firebrand.Swanston also originated some of the leading roles in the company's productions of Philip Massinger's plays.