Possible Clues:

• Ribald character last seen cavorting with a trio of females
• Sir John's employees on the river
• Debauched character, but not one to let down employees
• Loud, a large man, one appearing in Shakespeare plays
• Plump character in 'Henry IV, Parts I & II'
• They are employed after autumn, we're told, for Sir John
• Sir John - (MWOW)
• 1893 Verdi opera
• Friend of Prince Henry
• Shakespeare's fat alcoholic knight