OBITUARY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20136, 4 January 1940, Page 5

OBITUARY

MR. FRANK NEIL ; WELL-KNOWN MANAGER A recent cable message from Melbourne recorded the death from injuries, the result of a motoring accident. of Mr. Frank Neil, the wellknown actor-manager and producer. Originally a small part actor in the Brandon Creamer dramatic company, which played for many months in New Zealand about 20 years ago, Mr. Frank Neil later turned attention to the production and management side of the theatre with marked success. In association with J. C. Williamson, Limited, he sent many companies to New Zealand, the last two being the "Pop-Eye" Revue Company and a revue headed by Will Mahoney. Mr. Neil started his career as a manager and producer in the Bijou Theatre. Melbourne, with dramatic plays. The financial results were discouraging, and he thereupon resolved to associate himself with comedy productions. Such comedies as “Up in Mabel’s Room.” “Getiing Gertie’s Garters,” “Arc You a Mason?" and “Charlie’s Aunt" reaped him a fortune. Ella Shields and George Wallace were two prominent artists he sent to New Zealand in association with J. C. Williamson. Limited, at the head of companies. About five years ago Mr. _ Neil purchased an interest in Tivoli Theatres in Australia and became the company's managing director. Under his direction the financial success of the company was noteworthy. He made many trips by air to England, and he brought leading artists from abroad to Australia, paying huge salaries when it was necessary. Worldfamous artists he imported to Australia for Tivoli Theatres include Larry Adler, the Mills Brothers, Anna May” Wong and Nick Lucas. Mr. Neil owned a string of horses in Sydney, which lie raced with some success. FAMOUS ACTOR SIR FRANK BENSON 0 Sir Frank R. Benson, founder of the famous Benson Shakespearian Company, whose death was reported, from London this week, was born in Tunbridge Wells in November, 1858, and euueated at Winchester and New Coliege, Oxford. After one or two experiences as an amateur actor he was given tht part of Paris in “Romeo and Juliet’ oy Henry Trying. He then went on tour witii the Bentley repertory company. When it fell on evil times he asked his father for funds so that he could take it over. These were supplied and thus in 1883 the famous Benson Company was born. After the company had toured for some time playing Shakespeare Benson was asked to take over the Stratftrcl Festival performances in 1886. This was the beginning of a period of 30 years as their director, during which he produced all Shakespeare's plays but two. In 1880 he married a member of his company, Constance Feathcrstonhaugh, whose real name was Samwcll. His company was a great training ground for the stage and scores of actors and actresses who became famous as well as men who later distinguished themselves in other walks of life passed through it.

Ilis knighthood was conferred in 1916 in a most dramatic fashion. He had just come back from tour to take part in the great tercentenary performance at Drury Lane and found a letter which had followed the company for weeks offering him this honour. The King was approached at the theatre bv Collins, the manager, who. asked him to knight Benson there and supplied a sword. Thus in the costume of Julius Caesar the actor went to the Royal box to receive the accolade, after which he had a tremendous ovation from the crowded house and the throng of famous players who were inking part in the performance.

Sir Frank began his last tour in 1929 after recovering from a very serious motor accident. In 1933 he was awarded n civil list pension of £IOO.

The death occurred at Fairfield, Wafpawa, on December 30 of the widow of the late Mr. John Charles Standidge, in her ninetieth year. She was one of the settlers who came to New Zealand in the sailing ship Zealandia. She landed at Lyttelton in September 1858