Cecil Frederick Crofton scrapbook

Includes cuttings on funeral of Sarah Bernhardt, 1923, death of Genevieve Ward, 1922; cast lists for plays and operas including Other Times (Little Theatre, 1920 April) by Harold Brighouse, and Mary Rose (Haymarket, 1920 April) by J. M. Barrie, Journey's End (Prince of Wales' Theatre, 1929) by R. C. Sheriff; immigration papers for Italian visit, 1923; lists of Crofton's donations to Brighton Museum, Birmingham museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1924-1928; letter from Tom Douglas about his plans for films, 1925; photographs of Crofton, 1926; photograph of Genevieve Ward with Crofton, 1920; signed programme for concert by Sammy Davis Jnr, 1981 June.

Cecil Frederick Crofton (whose real name was Frederick Martin) was a versatile actor who appeared in a large variety of parts in the chief London theatres and the provinces, along with parts in pantomimes during the 1880s and 1890s.
After considerable experience on the amateur stage, he made his first professional appearance in 1882 in Wilson Barrett's 'Lights o'London' company at the Old Princess' Theatre. After further performances at the Royalty and the Avenue (now the Playhouse) he went on to tour the country as Charles II in 'Nell Gwynne', shortly after followed by appearances in 'The Countess and the Dancer' and 'Camille' at the Olympic in 1886. In 1889, he took the part of George Ralston in 'Jim the Penman' at the Shaftesbury Theatre, which was also to go on tour in 1893. He took the part of Spooner in the revival of 'Formosa' in 1891, and followed with parts in 'The Prince and the Pauper' at the Vaudeville and 'Brighton' at the Criterion. He played Montague Helston in 'Watching and Waiting', which he produced at the Vaudeville, and he was also Antony Crabb in 'The Custom House' at the same theatre. In 1894, he went on tour in 'The Late Lamented', and, after appearances in 'The Middlemen' as Epiphany Danks and in 'The Professor's Love Story' as Dr Yellowlees, it could be said that his career effectively came to a close. Crofton died in November 1935.

Open for research although at least a working day's notice should be given.

Catalogue entry by A M Williamson, 2021-12-03

The Library also holds another scrapbook compiled by Cecil Crofton (MS1009).