William Armstrong (theatre director)
William Armstrong, CBE (30 November 1882 – 5 October 1952) was a British actor, theatre manager and director, associated for many years with the Liverpool Playhouse, where as director he was an important influence on young actors in his company, including, at various times, Robert Donat, Robert Flemyng, Rex Harrison, Michael Redgrave and Diana Wynyard.
Life and career
Armstrong was born in Edinburgh and studied music at
Armstrong had made a strong impression in Liverpool, and when, in 1922, the company was in financial trouble and in need of an effective young director he was invited to take the post. His obituarist in The Times wrote:
Other future stars who learned their craft at the Playhouse under Armstrong included Michael Redgrave, Rex Harrison and Robert Flemyng.[5]
Armstrong remained in charge at the Playhouse until 1944, when poor health led him to step down.
Armstrong died at his home near Birmingham aged 69.[4]
References and sources
References
- ^ a b c Parker (1922), p. 20
- ^ Rowell, p. 47
- ^ Parker (1925), p. xxv
- ^ a b c d e "Mr W. Armstrong: Liverpool Repertory Theatre", The Times, 6 October 1952, p. 8
- ^ Granger, Derek. "Obituary: Robert Flemyng", The Independent, 24 May 1995, p. 2
- ^ "The Theatres", The Times, 24 September 1945, p. 6
- ^ "St James's Theatre", The Times, 3 September 1948, p. 7
Sources
- Parker, John, ed. (1922). Who's Who in the Theatre (fourth ed.). London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons. OCLC 473894893.
- Parker, John, ed. (1925). Who's Who in the Theatre (fifth ed.). London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons. OCLC 10013159.
- Rowell, George (1984). The Repertory Movement: A History of Regional Theatre in Britain. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-23739-0.