W H Kendal (1843-1917) and his wife Madge (1849-1935) were two of the leading actors of their day and appeared in several touring productions in Glasgow during the 1870s.
Madge Robertson was already a famous actress when she met and married William Hunter Grimston. Under their stage names, W H and Madge Kendal, the couple became part of Britain's theatrical establishment. They appeared with some of the greatest actors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and their friends included the famous actor manager, Sir John Hare, with whom they managed the St James's Theatre in London, 1879-1888. William Merrick, the "Elephant Man", was said to be one of Madge's greatest admirers.
Madge's contribution to the English theatre was recognised when she was made a dame.
Reference: Mitchell Library, 920.04BAI
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
actors, actresses, dames, theatre managers, theatre stages, women