A NOTED ACTRESS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2913, 8 November 1916, Page 3

A NOTED ACTRESS

DEATH OF IRENE VANBRUGH,

A Press Association cablegram records the death of Mrs. Dion Boucicault (Miss Irene Vanbrugh), one of England's most notable actresses, and ono not altogether unknown to older playgoers in New Zealand. Miss yanbrugli, who was a sister of Miss Violet Vanbrugh (Mrs. Arthur Bourchier), was a daughter of the Rev. Prebendary Barnes, of Exeter, and was educated there, in Paris, and London. Her first appearand on the; stage was as Phoebo in "As You Like It," at Margate, soon after which she visited Australia and New Zealand as a member of Mr. J. L. Toole's company (in 1S88). On returning Home she appeared in the long run of "Walker, London," with Mr. Toole. Her progess thereafter was rapid. She was engaged by Sir Beerbohm Tree, and later played leads with Sir George Alexander in. "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." She also created tie leading roles,in "The Chili Widow," "Kitty - Give," and, with Sir Charles Wyndham, in "Tho Liars." -One of hor most notable performance was Sophy Fulgarney in "Tho Gay Lord Quox." Others almost of equal note were her studies in "The Admirable Crichton," "His House in Order," "The Man of Destiny," "Alice Sit-by-the-Fire," and "The, . Thief." Miss Vanbrugh, who was born in 1872, was married to Mr. Dion ("Dot") Bouci6ault'(formerly of the Brough and Bouoicault Company) not long after he returned to England from his long and happy sojoufn in the Antipodes.