The sun., 1896-06-23
SIR AUG USTUS HARRIS.
Death OF the English Manager and Play
wright at Folkestone.


wright at FoIkestone.
LONDON. juno 2o.-Sir Augustus Harris. tho
well-known theatrical and operatc manager
whose critical illness at Foikestone an
nounoed in these dispatches last night, died at
1880 o'clock TO- night
Augustus Glossop Harris was born in 1852 in
London. His father. after whom he was named
had been In his day one OF the most successful
stage managers in Europe, and was at one time
the manager Of the Royal Italian Opera in Lon
don. The younger Harri, did not begin his
career in connection with the stage. however
but in commerce. and for short time was
foreign correspondent for the house OF Emile
Erlanger & Co. At his fathers death he went
upon the stage. and In September, 1879. he
played Macbeth at tho Theatre Royal at Man
chester. under the management Of Mr.. John
Knowles. From there he went 10 the Auphi-
theatre a. Liverpool where he played in ju-
venile and light comedy parts with Barry
sullivan.
II was not as an actor that he was destined to
make his mark. but ns n manager and play
wright. and he began the work of stage man
ugemcHt lmuI edIately after his LIVERPOOL en-
gagement as assistant stage manager OF tho
Mhpleson Italian Opera Company.
The manner in which he placed some operas
on the stage at the Theatre Royal Bath. under
great d tticulties. won for him recognition Of
merit from MIR. Mapleson within two weeks and
Mnpleso9 SppGints9 h stag manager
tion OF The DanIschelr,," by the Odton com
pany OF Paris. at the st. James Theatre in Lon
don. and the manner in which he staged tho
play not only won for him high compliments
from NJ. Baudois. the great l'arisan stage mana
ger but 1t contribute ed much toward the remark
able success Of the French company. 1t was In
this same year that Mr.. Harris invented and
prod uced the pantonime OF" Slnbnd the sailor
at the Crystal Palace for Charles Wyndham.
In 1877 he returned tothe stage A. an actor and
played n long engagement at the Criterion The
atre in the part OF Henry GrccHIdncs in " Pink
Dominoes.'
In 1879 he became tho manager and les see of
Drury Lane Theatre, and there no prod uced II
great number OF successful pantontmes. as
well as large number Of dramns
World" Youth" "Human nature" Run
OF Luck" Armada" million OF Money"
%,,rrodieal, Daughter" and Tho Life OF
lie was one OF the original members OF tho
London County Council. having been elected
from the division of the Strand. and held the
honorary, place OF Deputy Lieutenant Of the
city OF London. In 1901 lie was chosen ns
Sheriff of tie city OF London. and after the visit
o: the German Emperor to London in thatycar
Mr.. Harris WAS knghted.
Mr.. Harris WAS the lessee OF tho Palace Theatre.
In 1887 Mr.. Harris revived grand opera at tho
Drury Lane Theatre, and the following yoar at
the Royal Opera House, tovent Garden, whore
he continued to produce It.
Sir Augustus was in this country for some
time last winter, coming over to supervise tn u
production OF Humperdinck's opera, "Hansol
and Gretel," at Days Theatre. Sir Augustus
theatrical business. A well-known manager
said last evening:
"The stage can Ill afford the loss of such a
liberal manager. Ills word was as good as gold.
IIo never went back on q PROMISE and his exec
ulive ability as manager OF theatres was un-
equalled."