FANNY BROUGH DECEASED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2328, 9 December 1914, Page 4

FANNY BROUGH DECEASED

\i '■ Fanny 'Brough'," -whose'- death was recorded' by-'cable the'-'other "day, -was a figure on the English stage for forty years, and as the distinguished member of a distinguished theatrical fumily her death will be sincerely regretted/ by; playgoers. Her connection with New Zealand was nought save that she was the sister of the late Robert Brough, who ranks with Mr. Titheradge and Mr. Dion Bouoicault as one amongst the few great dramatio artists we cherish sweet memories of. Fanny Brough, who was sixty years of age, was a. nearer likenesß to Bob Brough than to any of her other brothers, and-like him she had a disposition fitted for serious parts as well as being brilliant in comedy roles. Her first appearance was made upon the stage under the management of the late. Charles.Calvert in Manchester in 1869, in a pantomime written by her uncle William Brough, and.during the two years" she"remained there appeared as Ophelia to t»ie Hamlet of the leatherlunged Barry Sullivan. Her London appearance was made under the manage nient of Mrs. John Wood in "Fernando." After that engagement she played tike Robertsoniau repertoire for many months, a,nd later still was associated with the gallant Charles Matthews, and after'him with Miss Mary Melrose. In the 'eighties Miss Brough had a lengthy experience in drama and melodrama, playing parts which ranged from Desdemona (with Charles Kelly) to Mrs. Muggridge in "The Lodgers. Drury Lane knew her in "Cml War' and'''Pleasure" in 1887, and ten yearslater in "A Sailor's Knot," "A Million of Money," "The Royal Oak,'' and "The Prodigal Daughter.'' In the realm of come<Ty she played in "Our Flat," "Dr. Bill" (both played here by Myra Kerable), "The Times," "An Ideal Husband," "The Eider-down Quilt,"' 'A Mother of Three,'' "The Man from Blankley's," and "The Duke of Kilhecrankie."" Miss Brough, who R. S. Boleyn in private life, was a keenly intellectual woman, strongly endowed with the' stage sense, and always conveyed that spirit of reserve power vrhich is just another Tray o{ saying that, she was'highly magnetic. She- took a deep interest in the welfare of the sisterhood of the profession, 'and was the president of the Theatrical Ladies' Guild.