THOS. KINGSTON.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1233, 15 September 1911, Page 9

THOS. KINGSTON.

DEATH OF A POPULAR ACTOK.. , . Playgoers all over the British Empire will learn with regret of the ckath of Thomas Kingston in" London, whence word was sent to J. C. Williamson, Limited, under whoso management tlvo actor always appeared in lliis. country. The deceased was one of an increasingly largo group of artists who made a reputation abroad, and never stayed long enough in London to take the position to which his talents would otherwise have entitled him. Ho .came out to Australia about twelve years ago as leading man to Miss Nance O'Neill, played Scarpia., Essex ("Queen Elizabeth"), and many other characters with her, stayed, with her during her tour of the world, and played load dnrin" the season qf the American actress at the London Adelphi in 1801. lie then joined Lewis Waller, and supported him throughout a run of GOO nights in

"Monsieur Beaucaire," and had an excellent part as tho Chevalier do Valclcs in that actor-manager's London production of "A Marriage of Convenience." As tho Chevalier Mr. Kingston appeared before King Edward at Sandringham, and subsequently toured the province's in the comedy with a company of his own. Besides playing lead in. Canada and the United with Mrs. Langtry, the actor twice toured South Africa, and then made another long stay in.Australia about 191)7. His association with Miss Tittell. Bruno brought him forward as Parsifal, in the Kcv. Hillhouso Taylor's spectacular version of the dramatic legend, and it was with this actress that he made his appearance lnst'year as Johnson, the adventurer, in "Tho Girl from the Golden 'West." He also played tho leading part in "The Flag Lieutenant" last year, and one of his brightest impersonations was as Brewster in tho comedy "Brewster's Millions," in which he showed a very light touch, and a sense of humour. He was, in fact, an accomplished artist, and as he was probably not quite 50 years of age at tho timo of his death, and was reputed to bo woll-to-do. should have had many happy years before him. Mr. Kingston was married to Adelina dc Lara, a very brilliant pianist,'who gave concerts in Sydney during his first -season. She was a cousin of Landon Ronald, and both of them were grandchildren of Henry Russell, the composer of "Cheer, Boys Cheer. "■ At the time of her visit to Australia Mrs. Kingston had two children. In private lifo tho deceased was highly esteemed. Mr. Kingston's favourite recreation was rowing, and when in 'Wellington he was a frequent visitor to the Star Boating Club, among whoso members ho was very popular. To tho abovo list of performances should be added that of the Pirate King in "Peter Pan," which ho played in Sew Zealand only.