Benjamin Webster

Born in Bath on September 3, 1797, Benjamin Nottingham Webster came from a theatrical family and entered the stage young, first performing Harlequin and taking small parts while also playing second violin in the orchestra. After provincial work, he reached London and built his reputation steadily as a character actor.

Webster became closely associated with the Haymarket Theatre, where he later served as lessee and manager, and he also took charge of the Adelphi. Contemporary reference works and theatre collections describe him as an important actor-manager who gave opportunities to leading actors and playwrights of his day. As a performer, he was especially admired in strong character roles, and as a writer he translated, adapted, or wrote nearly a hundred plays.

He retired from the stage in 1874 and died on July 3, 1882. His influence continued through a family deeply involved in the theater, including later generations connected with the English-speaking stage.