Kitty Loftus facts for kids
Kitty Loftus (born 16 June 1867 – died 17 March 1927) was a talented English dancer, singer, and actress. She was very famous in the 1890s and early 1900s. Kitty was known for her roles in comedies, burlesque shows (a type of funny play), pantomimes, and musical plays. At the peak of her career, she even had her own acting group called the Kitty Loftus Company. One critic described her as "a tricky sprite and a fantastic elf," meaning she was playful and magical on stage. Later in her life, she performed in variety shows and music halls.
Early Life and Stage Start
Kitty Loftus was born Catherine Newman in Gloucestershire in 1867. Her parents were both actors who traveled a lot for their work. Kitty was one of four sisters who all became singers and dancers. Her sisters were Rosie, Olive, and Mabel.
Kitty was tiny and had blonde hair. She started her acting career as a child. She appeared in plays and pantomimes, which are traditional Christmas shows. She also toured with a group called the Milton-Rays.
Kitty first appeared on stage in 1879. She played the character of Puck in the play A Midsummer Night's Dream. She quickly became a favorite with audiences across Britain. She played many main roles in touring burlesque shows. These included Psyche in Venus (1890) and Jack in Little Jack Sheppard. She also played Siebel in Faust up to Date and Cinderellen in Cinder Ellen up too Late.
During Christmas 1890, Kitty played the main character, Aladdin, in the pantomime Aladdin. This show was at the Theatre Royal, Brighton. She also regularly performed in the yearly pantomime at The Crystal Palace. In December 1891, she played Aladdin there again. In 1892, she was Jack Daw in The Babes in the Wood and Bold Robin Hood. A critic from The Sketch magazine praised her performance. They said she was a "very talented and very charming actress." They also mentioned her "agile grace" and "sportive lightness" on stage.
Peak Career and Later Years
In 1893, Kitty Loftus created the main role of Phyllis in The Lady Slavey. This was a very popular musical comedy that toured around. In 1894, she played Eric in the pantomime Santa Claus at the Lyceum Theatre. Kitty also appeared with famous comedian Arthur Roberts. She played Emma in Gentleman Joe (1895) and Janet in Biarritz (1896). She was also Mrs. Bailey in The White Silk Dress (1896).
In early 1896, she starred as the main character in Trilby. This play was performed at the Prince of Wales Theatre. She also played Dora Selwyn in the musical The Yashmak (1897). In 1898, she was in The Swineherd and the Emperor's New Clothes at Terry's Theatre. Kitty played Princess Petula in Her Royal Highness (1898). She was also a Maid-Servant in A Good Time (1899). She even took over the main role in The French Maid (1898).
Kitty made her first appearance in America in 1899. She played Denise in the musical In Gay Paree in New York City. Back in England, she played Harriet in Shock-Headed Peter (1900). She was also Lucy in The Rivals (1900). In 1901, she toured in the main role of English Nell. She had a disagreement with fellow actor Arthur Roberts and went to court. After this, she performed in Shakespeare plays with Frank Benson. She also appeared in a new version of Morocco Bound (1901). She played the main role in the musical comedy Bébé (1901).
Kitty Loftus also produced her own shows. She produced and starred in Naughty Nancy (1902). She also produced A Maid from School (1904) and The Duchess of Silliecrankie (1904). Both of these were at Terry's Theatre. From December 1905, Kitty was in the pantomime at the London Pavilion. In 1906, she toured South Africa with the famous comedian George Robey.
Later in her career, Kitty focused on variety shows. She performed in music halls like the Holborn Empire in 1908. She also performed at the London Coliseum and toured around the country. From 1910 to 1911, she was in the play The Critic at Her Majesty's Theatre.
Personal Life
Kitty Loftus married William Phillips Warren-Smith in 1907. He was a manager in the theatre world. From at least 1911 to 1925, the couple lived in Marylebone in London.
Kitty Loftus passed away at her home in St John's Wood in London in 1927. She had caught the flu about six weeks before.
