Sir Nigel Playfair
(1874-1934), Actor-managerSitter associated with 4 portraits
Actor and theatre manager, Playfair made his professional debut as Mr Melrose in A Pair of Knickerbockers (1902). In 1918 he formed a syndicate to purchase a long lease on the Lyric, Hammersmith, where he presented Restoration comedies and contemporary satires. His production of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera ran for 1,463 performances. Other successes included Congreve's The Way of the World (1924), Sheridan's The Rivals (1925) and the review Riverside Nights (1926), which Playfair co-wrote with A.P. Herbert.
by Harry Furniss
pen and ink, 1880s-1900s
NPG 3504
by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 26 November 1924
NPG x158754
by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 26 November 1924
NPG x158755
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