From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dion Boucicault Jr. and Irene Vanbrugh depicted in a cartoon accompanying a review of a production of A. A. Milne's Mr. Pim Passes By --- Punch, 14 January 1920

Dame Irene Vanbrugh DBE (2 December 1872–30 November 1949), born Irene Barnes, was an English actress.

The daughter of a clergyman, she was born at Heavitree, Exeter, was educated in London and Paris, and in 1889 joined J. L. Toole , touring with him in Australia and New Zealand. In 1892 she became a member of Beerbohm Tree's company, and in 1895 of Arthur Bourchier's company, with which she appeared in the United States in 1896.

In 1901 she was married to Dion Boucicault Jr., an actor, son of his more famous namesake. She had important roles in the following plays: The Chili Widow; The Importance of Being Earnest; The Admirable Crichton; Lettu; His House in Order; The Great Conspiracy; Mid Channel; Grace; Passers By; Rosalind; Open Window; The Land of Promise; Der Tag; The School for Scandal. Her sister Violet Vanbrugh became the wife of Arthur Bourchier.

Irene Vanbrugh was created a Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) in 1941.

See also

RADA

External links

• Biography on Theatrical Guild

• Performance details from the theatrical archive, University of Bristol