SHAKESPEAREAN ACTOR KNIGHTED

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2762, 4 May 1916, Page 5

SHAKESPEAREAN ACTOR KNIGHTED

F. It. BENSON HONOURED.

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright

(Rec. May, 3, 9.40 p.m.)

London, May 2. ■-■The King knighted F. It. Benson, at a Driiry Lane matinee. [This honour is no doubt conferred in token of the Shakespeare tercentenary celebrations.. t Mr. P.. R-. Benson is a nephew of ItM/late Archbishop Benson, and organised "Greek plays while: a student at Oxford. His first professional appearance was with Irving at the Lyceum in 1882, playing/ Paris in his production of "Romeo ayd Juliet"; commenced management oil own account in 1883, and after extensive provincial tours opened at Globe in 1889 with' a series of Shakespeare dramas; first went to St-rat-ford-on-Avon in 18S7, producing "Richard 111,'.' since when ho has been responsible for sixteen of tho annual festivals,- producing in tbo period covered, with two. exceptions, the wliolo of Shakespeare's plays; has toured his company all over the United Kingdom, paying occasional visits to London for short seasons; has virtually established!a travelling school of acting, and some of our best known actors and actresses have acquired with him the training and experience which have helped to secure them success; is Governor of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, and trustee of Shakespeare's Birthplace.]