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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2588, 9 October 1915, Page 7

The announcement of the forthcoming appearances at Hoi- Majesty's-.Theatre, Sydney, of John Webster, the American comedian, who has been playing Niblo parts for the J. C,. Williamson firm in South Afrioa, recalls the fact that for the last 100 years the English stage has always had a prominent and popular member of the Webster family constantly in tho limelight. Benjamin Webster was the first manager, during his management of the old Haymarket Theatre in the 'fortiesj to abolish oil lamps and introduce the illuminative —gas! He was also the first manager who gave the pittites backs to their benches, and created orchestra' stalls, an innovation much objected to by Oharles Mathews, who inveighed against the chattering and ogling they encouraged. ' These were tho days when O.ueen Victoria, the Prince. Consort, and the Royal children visited tho thoatre in a Family party, and were Teceived by tho tt'.anager immaculately dressed in evening clothes and wearing white kid gloves, and who, walking backwards, escorted them to the Royal box! Benjamin Webster's last success in management was 'his introduction in London of Jefferson in "R.ip Van Winkle."