Men of the Time, eleventh edition/Bancroft, Squire
BANCROFT, Squire Bancroft, actor and theatrical manager, born in London, May 14, 1841, made his first public appearance on the stage at the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, in Jan. 1861. Then he accepted engagements in Dublin and Liverpool, playing almost every line of character, including various Shaksperian parts. He made his début in London on the occasion of the opening of the Prince of Wales's Theatre, under the management of Mr. Byron and Miss Marie Wilton, April 15, 1865. Mr. T. W. Robertson's popular comedies were brought out at this theatre, and in each of them Mr. Bancroft may be said to have created one of the leading characters. In "Society" (1865) he appeared as Sydney Daryl and afterwards as Tom Stylus; in "Ours" (1866) as Angus McAlister; in "Caste" (1867) as Captain Hawtree; in "Play" as Chevalier Browne; in "School" (1869) as Jack Poyntz; and in "M.P." as Talbot Piers. In 1867 Mr. Bancroft married Miss Marie Wilton, and a large share of the management of the Prince of Wales's Theatre thenceforward devolved upon him. Among other parts subsequently performed by him at that house were Sir Frederick Blount in "Money," Joseph Surface in the "School for Scandal," Triplet in "Masks and Faces," Sir George Ormond in "Peril," Dazzle in "London Assurance," Blenkinsop in "An Unequal Match," and Count Orloff in "Diplomacy." Mr. Bancroft's successful management of the Prince of Wales's Theatre was brought to a close on Jan. 29, 1880. In Sept. 1879, he had become lessee of the Haymarket, and after he had expended a large sum on its internal rebuilding and decorations, he began his management of this theatre on Jan. 31, 1880. The first performance was Lord Lytton's comedy "Money." It was followed by revivals of "School," "Masks and Faces," "Society," and "Ours." "Odette" was produced in April, 1882, Mr. Bancroft taking the part of Lord Henry Trevene, with Madame Modjeska as Odette. This was followed by "The Overland Route "(Sept. 1882). The farewell revival of "Caste" is now being performed (Feb. 1883); and it will be followed by a new play by Mr. Pardon and a new comedy written by Mr. A. W. Pinero.