Sir Henry Irving

The most distinguished actor of the late Victorian Era, made his first London appearance in 1866, and from that date to his death in 1905, his career was a series of triumphs, among which may be mentioned his impersonations of "Shylock" in "The Merchant of Venice," and "Matthias" in "The Bells." His first-night performances at the Lyceum were assemblies of the most representative people in the Arts, the professions and society. He had a most winning and charming personality, and his memory is still fragrant with the playgoing public, of whom he was fond of describing himself (in many a "before the curtain" speech) as "the grateful, loving, and obedient servant."

Sir Squire Bancroft

The veteran actor-manager, first appeared on the stage in Birmingham in 1861. He was for 20 years manager of the Prince of Wales and Haymarket Theatres, and in his time has appeared at the leading provincial theatres with all the prominent "stars" of the stage. In 1867 he married Miss Marie Wilton, whose professional career was practically identical with his own. Retiring from management in 1885, he has only acted occasionally since: but his noble efforts by giving "Readings" on behalf of hospitals throughout the country resulted in the sum of £20,000 being raised. His knighthood was conferred on him by Queen Victoria in 1897.

Mr. J. L. Toole

Who died at a very advanced age in 1906, was a great friend of Sir Henry Irving. He was, himself, however, a front-rank comedian; and in the heyday of his powers was easily the greatest of his time.

He played a succession of comedy parts during the 50 years he was before the public, and no member of the profession was held in more esteem and affection by his brethren or by the public who thronged to see and hear him.

 

 

 

Sir George Alexander

Who started life in the City, made his first appearance on the stage in 1879. He was for a time with Henry Irving at the Lyceum, commencing management for himself in 1890. Connected with the St. James' Theatre since 1891, he was of London's most popular actor-managers, with his long list of famous impersonations to his credit. Nor were his interests confined to the stage, for he found time to do much useful public work as a member of the London County Council.

He received the honour of Knighthood in 1911, and has also the dignities of J. P. and L. L. D.

 

Lady Bancroft

(Marie Wilton), who came of an
old Gloucestershire family, married Squire Bancroft in 1867.
Her debut on the stage was
made as a child in the provinces, and her earlier appearances in London were at the Strand Theatre. Her chief successes were, of course, at the Prince of Wales Theatre, where she was joint manager with her husband. The productions included comedies by Tom Robertson: "Ours" "Caste;" "Play," "School," etc. Lady Bancroft is, with her husband, part authoress of a delightful book of reminiscences.

 

 

Sir Herbert Tree

Was one of our most versatile actor-managers, as well as a man of letters, and a brilliant raconteur. His first appearance on the stage was in 1877, and it is interesting to recall that he was the original "Rev Robert Spalding" in "The Private Secretary." As the proprietor and manager of His Majesty's Theatre he has produced a remarkable series of sumptuously mounted plays. He was a master of make-up, and has played many famous and historic parts. Shakespearean and otherwise, and he will long be remembered as the original "Svengali" in the dramatised version of "Trilby."

 

Sir J. Forbes-Robertson

Surely one of the greatest exponents of "Hamlet" of all time, is not only one of the most distinguished actors of his period, but an accomplished painter. Becoming an actor when 21, he was a pupil of Samuel Phelps, and was associated with the Bancrofts and John Hare before he entered successfully upon management on his own account in 1896. A superb elocutionist, with a dignified stage presence, and withal a most gracious and kindly personality, no actor of our day ever had a more admiring public; and it was a matter for keen regret when he decided to retire from the stage, commencing his farewell tour at Drury Lane in 1913.

Sir Charles Wyndham

The veteran, born in 1837, was originally intended for the medical profession. He served in the Federal Army during the early part of the American Civil War, returning to England in 1865, when he began his stage career, which was one of conspicuous success. No name stood higher on the roll of histrionic fame, and the knighthood which came to him in 1902, was the fitting climax to his many years of good work. He has played his famous part of "David Garrick" in several European capitals, accompanied by Miss Mary Moore (now Lady Wyndham) as "Ada Ingot."

 

Miss Winifred Emery

Heredity must surely have played a part in shaping the career of Miss Winifred Emery (Mrs. Maude), for her father, grandfather, and great grandfather were all, in their day, great actors, and she herself made her bow to her first audience at the age of 8 years, in Liverpool. She appeared In London in 1879, was at the Court Theatre with Wilson Barrett, and at the Lyceum with Henry Irving.
Miss Emery, who is deservedly favourite with admirers of good acting, toured the United States and Canada several times with Irving's Company, and has played at all the principal theatres in London.

MIss Julia Neilson

A great favourite with the play-going public, made her first appearance at the Lyceum Theatre in 1888, in "Pygmalion and Galate." She has toured the United States and Canada, as well as the most important towns of Great Britain.
Miss Neilson, who played, "Rosalind" in "As You Like It," during the longest run on record, commenced joint management in 1900, with her husband, Mr Fred Terry, at the Haymarket Theatre, where she played "Nell Gwyn" in "Sweet Nell of Old Drury," her rendering of the part of "Pretty Nelly," as old Pepys always wrote of her, giving great pleasure to her audiences.

Miss Gladys Cooper

One of the most charming of the younger actresses of our day, is a a great favourite with London play-goers; and her features are familiar, through photographs, to many who have never seen her act.
Her earlier experiences were gained at the Gaiety and Daly's Theatres, and she has since played at the St. James' Theatre, the Criterion, and others, making consistent progress in her art, and gaining the approbation of the public.

In 1914, she had a great success in the parts of Anne, Nina, Annette, Antze, Anna, and Annitea in "My Lady's Dress."

Rutland Barrington

Will always be associated with memories of Gilbert and Sullivan operas; for many years he played in the whole series, except "The Yeoman of the Guard"; his rendering of the famous part "Pooh-Bah" in "The Mikado" being, perhaps, one of his greatest triumphs.

His admirably-refined style, and great gift of natural humour, made him an ideal exponent of "Gilbert and Sullivan" characters.

Not only is he a distinguished actor, but he has produced numerous stage pieces, finding time, also, to contribute regularly to the pages of Punch.

Henry Ainley

Originally a bank accountant, appeared on the stage in the first place as an amateur, joining the company of F. R. Benson at a later date. He was after-wards with George Alexander, and like many of our well-known actors, has appeared with success in the United States.

Of handsome presence, and a fine elocutionist, he is a firm favourite with admirers of good acting; and his playing of the part of "Ilam Carve" in "The Great Adventure," found much favour with the theatre-going public.

Dennis Eadie

Actor-manager, made his first appearance in London in 1900, under George Alexander, in the romantic play, "The Prisoner of Zenda." He has acted with great distinction in a series of important plays, including "Milestones" (surely one of the most artistic plays of recent years, and a veritable mirror of bygone Victorian Days), and "My Lady's Dress." More recently he has played the name part in "Disraeli" with conspicuous success, his interpretation of the famous and romantic life of the great Conservative Statesman being much praised.

Miss Ellen Terry

Whose gracious presence and charming talent are so well known to lovers of the drama, first acted with Henry Irving in 1867. A consummately talented actress, she was at her best in such parts as "Portila" in "The Merchant of Venice," and those who have been privileged to see her in the character, will always remember her delightful light-comedy part of "Nance Oldfield." Her career, under the management of Sir Henry Irving, was one of great artistic success, and she has for many years held affectionate regard of a great play-going public.

Gerald du Maurier

The well-known Actor Manager of Wyndham's Theatre, is a son of the late author and distinguished Punch artist, George du Maurier.

From his first appearance with John Hare at the Garrick Theatre in 1894, he has steadily grown in popularity and ability; acting in the provinces with Forbes Robertson, and later with Beerbohm Tree in London. He was the original exponent of the part of the "Gentleman Burglar," "Raffles," in 1906, and had a great success as "Brewster," in "Brewster's Millions," in 1907.

Coquelin

Comedian, was born at Boulogne-sur-mer, in 1841; he died in 1909. He obtained first prize at the Paris Conservatoire in 1860, and opened at the Comedie Francaise in the same year. He toured Europe and America several times; in 1895 he created his famous part of Cyrano de Bergerac, his acting of the character of that renowned soldier and author (whose huge nose was such a sad trial to him), bringing the distinguished actor much fame.

 

 

Martin Harvey

One of the most popular actor-managers, is one of a brilliant group who had the advantage of graduating from Sir Henry Irving's company, of which he was a member for fourteen years, accompanying his chief on various tours through the States.

Probably his best known part, among many that are fine, is that of Sidney Carlton, in "The Only Way," based on Charles Dickens' novel, "A Tale of Two Cities," the closing words being familiar to very many: "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

Fred Terry

The youngest of the famous Terry family, made his first appearance on the stage at the Haymarket Theatre at the age of 15, under the Bancroft's regime; and since then has acted in nearly every town of importance in the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

In 1891, he married Miss Julia Neilson, and for many years they have acted together, producing many successful plays, such as "The Scarlet Pimpernel," affording fine scope for Mr. Terry's great gifts as an actor of romantic parts.

 

Lewis Waller

Whose death at a comparatively early age occurred in 1915, was a fine all-round actor who was not only a great favourite with the public at home, but had toured extensively in our Overseas Dominions and America.

A splendid elocutionist, of commanding presence, he impersonated a series of famous characters, Shakesperian and otherwise, among his more famous romantic presentments being "Monsieur Beaucatre."

 

 

The popularity of Arthur Lloyd

The article below detailing a Benefit performance for Arthur Lloyd near the end of his career, and printed in the ERA in September 1900, shows just how popular he was amongst the actors of the legitimate theatre as well as the music hall stars of the period. Listed among the names of those who promised their support at the Benefit were many of the names detailed in the Players Cards reproduced on this page.

Mr. Arthur Lloyd made his first appearance in a music hall at the old Whitebait, Glasgow, in 1861. In October, 1862, he made his debut in London, appearing at three halls - the Sun, Knightsbridge; the Marylebone; and the Philharmonic, Islington. A grand complimentary and testimonial benefit is being organised for him, to take place about the middle or end of October. The following well-known theatrical, music hall, and other notabilities promise their patronage and support - Sir Henry Irving, Messrs Charles Wyndham, George Edwardes, Lionel Brough, George Alexander, Robert Arthur, W. S. Penley, Sydney Paxton, H. E. Moss, Oswald Stoll, Henri Gros, G. A. Payne, Richard Warner, Will Oliver, J. Sparrow, Herbert Sprake, Harry Hunter, J. H Berry, Charles Morton, Henry Gilman, Edward Ledger, Charles Coote, Frank Dean, F. Nanoli, Herbert Campbell, Dan Leno, Little Titch, Dick Dunn, D. Allen and Sons, and others.

This article was first published in the ERA, 8th September 1900.