Biog: Actor-Manager and author; Kt. (cr.1935); Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (cr. 1931) for his services to French Drama in England.

Role: Duc De Richelieu.

"From the Duke of York's I went to the Court Theatre, this time as leading man, with a tremendous part in "The Court Scandal," that of the young Duc de Richelieu. The production was singularly charming, the play was a great success, and after a run at the Court was transferred to the Garrick Theatre. The part of the Little Duke was extraordinarily difficult, demanding, as it did, experience, extreme youth, power, comedy, and grace — in fact, almost all the resources of the actor's art. Dion Boucicault worked hard with and for me, and helped me to scramble through a very difficult task without disgracing the ancestor of the Great Cardinal."

Seymour Hicks: twenty-four years of an actor's life (London, 1910), p. 216.

Date: 2 March 1899.

Occasion: "A Court Scandal", a comedy, in three acts, adapted by Aubrey Boucicault and Osmond Shillingford from "Les Premiéres Armes de Richelieu" by Bayard and Dumanoir, the Court Theatre, 24 January 1899.

Location: The Lafayette studio, 179 New Bond Street, London.

Descr: FL standing.

Costume: XVIII century French men's dress (forget-me-blue brocade coat, waistcoat, lace cravate, knee-breeches, silk stockings, blue shoes with scarlet heels).

Costume Designer: Mr. Percy Anderson.

Costume Supplier: Mrs. Nettleship and Messers. B.J. Simmons & Co., Covent Garden. Wigs by Clarkson.

Jewellery: -

Furniture & Props: Rococo studio set with hinged door; Louis XV style giltwood armchair; Louis XV style giltwood footstool.

Photographer: Lafayette Ltd., 179 New Bond Street, London.

Evidence of photographer at work: -

No of poses: 9.

Copyright: V&A

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References:

Biog: Dictionary of National Biography; Who's Who in the Theatre; P.Hartnoll (ed.), The Oxford Companion to the Theatre, 4th ed., London, 1983; The Times, 7 April 1949, p 8e; (Autobiographies:) Twenty-Four Years of an Actor's Life, London, 1910; Difficulties, London, 1922; Between Ourselves, London, 1931; Night Lights, London, 1938; Me and My Missus, London 1939; Vintage Years, London 1942.

Role: The Era, 28 January 1899, p 15b; The Graphic, 28 January 1899, p 122; The Ladies' Field, 11 February 1899, p 426a.

Occasion: The Era, 28 January 1899, p 15b; The Graphic, 28 January 1899, p 122; The Ladies' Field, 11 February 1899, p 426a-b; Play programme (production file at Theatre Museum).

Costume: The Ladies' Field, 11 February 1899, p 426a.

Costume Designer: The Ladies' Field, 11 February 1899, p 426a; Play programme (production file at Theatre Museum).

Costume Supplier: Play programme (production file at Theatre Museum).

Jewellery: -

Reproduced: (version) Madame, 15 April 1899, p 128.

Additional Information: -

Acknowledgements: -