Leslie French

(1904-1999) Leslie French, the English actor, played Puck in this 1935 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He joined the Old Vic in 1930. French became well known for playing Shakespeare’s spirit characters and clowns and fools. He played roles such as Ariel in The Tempest, the Fool in King Lear, and Touchstone in As You Like It frequently. In the 1960s, he played in a number of films. He was also engaged in promoting multi-racial theaters in South AfricaRead more

Norman Forbes-Robertson

(1858-1936) Although Norman Forbes-Robertson was never as well known as his brother, Johnston Forbes-Robertson, he was a distinguished Shakespearean and played many roles; so many, in fact, that it will be easiest simply to list the plays and parts by years. He made his stage debut in 1875 at the Gaiety Theatre, London, as Sir Harry Guildford in Henry VIII. He also played in Twelfth Night that same year. In 1879 he joined Sir Henry Irving in The Merchant of Venice, and in 1881,Read more

Winifred Emery

(1862-1924) Winifred Emery, born in Manchester, was a fourth-generation actor; her father, grandfather, and great grandfather were all imminent actors. She first appeared on stage in 1870, and about a decade later in 1881 she joined Sir Henry Irving‘s company, eventually touring with them, including Ellen Terry, in the United States. During her years with Irving she play Nerissa and Jessica in The Merchant of Venice and Olivia in Twelfth Night. After she left Irving, she joined Wilson Barrett during 1890-91Read more

Henrietta Crosman

(1865-1944) Henrietta Crosman was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1865 and made her first stage appearance in 1883. In 1889, she played her first role in Shakespeare as Celia in As You Like It, and in 1902, she successfully took the part of Rosalind in the same play; this Broadway production had a run of sixty performances at the Theatre Republic. She played Shakespeare again in 1916 as Mistress Page with J. K. Hackett and Viola Allen in TheRead more

Evelyn D’Alroy

(1882-1915) D’Alroy’s career was cut short when at thirty-three she died. She first appeared on the stage in 1902. After touring with Ben Greet’s company for a time, she joined Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree at His Majesty’s Theatre. With Beerbohm, she played several parts in Shakespeare’s plays: Ophelia in Hamlet (1910), Portia (The Merchant of Venice, also in 1910), and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1911). Who Was Who in the Theatre reports that her favorite role was Ophelia.Read more