Webster, Benjamin, 1797-1882

Benjamin Nottingham Webster was an English actor-manager and dramatist ; built the Adelphi Theatre (1859) and managed numerous other London theaters ; born 1797 ; died 1882.

Benjamin Nottingham Webster was an English actor-manager and dramatist ; built the Adelphi Theatre (1859) and managed numerous other London theaters ; born 1797 ; died 1882.

Benjamin Nottingham Webster (3 September 1797 – 3 July 1882) was an English actor-manager and dramatist.First appearing as Harlequin, and then in small parts at Drury Lane, he went to the Haymarket Theatre in 1829, and was given leading comedy character business.

Webster was the lessee of the Haymarket from 1837 to 1853; he built the new Adelphi Theatre (1859); later the Olympic Theatre, Princess's Theatre, London and St James's Theatres came under his control; and he was the patron of all the contemporary playwrights and many of the best actors, who owed their opportunity of success to him. He wrote, translated or adapted nearly a hundred plays.[1]

As a character actor he was unequalled in his day, especially in such parts as Triplet in Masks and Faces, Joey Ladle in No Thoroughfare, and John Peerybingle in his own dramatization of The Cricket on the Hearth.[1]

Webster took his formal farewell of the stage in 1874.

Benjamin Nottingham Webster (3 September 1797 – 3 July 1882) was an English actor-manager and dramatist.First appearing as Harlequin, and then in small parts at Drury Lane, he went to the Haymarket Theatre in 1829, and was given leading comedy character business.

Webster was the lessee of the Haymarket from 1837 to 1853; he built the new Adelphi Theatre (1859); later the Olympic Theatre, Princess's Theatre, London and St James's Theatres came under his control; and he was the patron of all the contemporary playwrights and many of the best actors, who owed their opportunity of success to him. He wrote, translated or adapted nearly a hundred plays.[1]

As a character actor he was unequalled in his day, especially in such parts as Triplet in Masks and Faces, Joey Ladle in No Thoroughfare, and John Peerybingle in his own dramatization of The Cricket on the Hearth.[1]

Webster took his formal farewell of the stage in 1874.

Benjamin Nottingham Webster (3 September 1797 – 3 July 1882) was an English actor-manager and dramatist.First appearing as Harlequin, and then in small parts at Drury Lane, he went to the Haymarket Theatre in 1829, and was given leading comedy character business.

Webster was the lessee of the Haymarket from 1837 to 1853; he built the new Adelphi Theatre (1859); later the Olympic Theatre, Princess's Theatre, London and St James's Theatres came under his control; and he was the patron of all the contemporary playwrights and many of the best actors, who owed their opportunity of success to him. He wrote, translated or adapted nearly a hundred plays.[1]

As a character actor he was unequalled in his day, especially in such parts as Triplet in Masks and Faces, Joey Ladle in No Thoroughfare, and John Peerybingle in his own dramatization of The Cricket on the Hearth.[1]

Webster took his formal farewell of the stage in 1874.