Hilton Edwards facts for kids
Hilton Edwards (born February 2, 1903 – died November 18, 1982) was an English-born Irish actor, lighting designer, and theatre producer. He helped start the famous Gate Theatre in Dublin with his partner, Micheál Mac Liammóir. Many people call him a founder of modern Irish theatre. He was one of the most recognized people in the arts in Ireland during the 20th century.
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Early Life and Acting Career
Hilton Edwards was born in London, England. His parents were Thomas George Cecil Edwards and Emily Edwards.
He began his acting career in 1920 with the Charles Doran Shakespeare Company. Later, he joined the Old Vic theatre in London. There, he acted in almost all of Shakespeare's plays. He also sang baritone roles with the Old Vic Opera company.
As an actor, he played many main characters. These included the lead roles in Peer Gynt, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Macbeth. He also played Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came To Dinner. In 1966, he directed two plays on Broadway: Philadelphia, Here I Come! and The Loves of Cass McGuire.
After touring with different theatre groups, he came to Ireland in 1927. He met Micheál Mac Liammóir there. Both men wanted to have their own theatre. Mac Liammóir wanted it to be in Ireland. Edwards said he cared more about theatre itself than about where it was.
Starting the Gate Theatre
Hilton Edwards and his partner, Micheál Mac Liammóir, started the Gate Theatre in Dublin. Edwards directed over 300 plays at the Gate. These plays included ancient Greek works and comedies. He also directed new Irish plays by writers like W.B. Yeats and Brian Friel.
In their first year, they showed seven plays. These included Peer Gynt and Salomé. Their shows were new and exciting. They introduced Dublin audiences to plays from Europe and America. They also showed classic Irish plays.
The company first performed at the Peacock Theatre. Then, in 1929, they found their permanent home. It was the 18th-century Rotunda Annex. The Gate Theatre opened there on February 17, 1930, with the play Faust.
In 1931, the Gate Theatre faced money problems. Lord Longford and his wife Christine helped them financially. The Longfords worked with Edwards and MacLiammóir until 1936. After that, two separate theatre companies were formed. They each performed at the Gate for six months a year. They also toured for six months. This continued until Lord Longford passed away in 1961.
During this time, Edwards and MacLiammóir's company performed in Dublin's Gaiety Theatre. They also took their shows on tour to Europe, Egypt, and North America.
Work in Television and Film
In 1961, Hilton Edwards took a two-year break from theatre. He became the first Head of Drama at Telefís Éireann. This is Ireland's national TV broadcaster. A year later, he won a Jacob's Award for his TV series, Self Portrait.
Edwards also appeared in 15 films. Some of these include Othello (1952) and Victim (1961). He also wrote and directed Orson Welles's film Return to Glennascaul (1951). However, he was best known for his theatre work. In 1966, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Director. This was for the play Philadelphia, Here I Come!
Hilton Edwards passed away in Dublin, Ireland, at the age of 79. He and Micheál Mac Liammóir are buried together in St. Fintan's Cemetery, Sutton, Dublin.
His Important Partnership and Legacy
Hilton Edwards and Micheál Mac Liammóir were a very well-known pair in Dublin. They lived together at 4 Harcourt Terrace. They were a unique and visible partnership in Irish society at the time. When Mac Liammóir died in 1978, many important people attended his funeral. These included the President of Ireland and government ministers. Hilton Edwards was openly recognized and comforted as the chief mourner.
Their story is told in a book called The Boys by Christopher Fitz-Simon. Mac Liammóir also wrote about Edwards in his own books. The play Gates of Gold by Frank McGuinness is also inspired by Edwards and Mac Liammóir.
In 1973, Edwards and Mac Liammóir were given the Freedom of the City of Dublin. This is a special honor. The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival gives an award in his name. It is for the "Best Aspect of Production."
Film Appearances
- Call of the Blood (1949) – Dr. Robert Blake
- Othello (1951) – Brabantio
- Captain Lightfoot (1955) – Lord Glen
- Cat & Mouse (1958) – Mr. Scruby
- She Didn't Say No! (1958) – Film Director
- This Other Eden (1959) – Canon Moyle
- David and Goliath (1960) – Prophet Samuel
- A Terrible Beauty (1960) – Father McCrory
- Victim (1961) – P.H.
- The Quare Fellow (1962) – Holy Healy
- The Wrong Box (1966) – Lawyer
- Half a Sixpence (1967) – Shalford (final film role)
