The Bensonian Players
Surname 'A'

Achurch, Jane (1854 - 1916) Jane Achurch's first stage appearance was with the Bensonians.

Aickin, Elinor (1834 - 1914) Elinor Aickin appeared in "The Cross-ways" in December 1902 as Lady Croffte, and as the Duchess of York in
"Richard III" in 1911, which is on the video "Silent Shakespeare".


Ainley, Henry (1879 - 1945) Henry Ainley appeared in hundreds of production, and some films over a 40 year period. He appeared for the first time on stage as a messenger in "Macbeth", later he had starring roles in many plays including his first in "Henry V", "Hamlet" and "As You Like It", Other appearances include "The Pretty of Jose" in 1903 at the Empire Theatre, New York. He was also a member of Herbert Beerbohm Tree's company. In 1911 he was one of the first stage actors to appear in films, his first film was "Henry VIII", in 1914 he appeared in the film "A Bachelor's Love Story", "The Prisoner of Zenda", "The Great Adventure", "The Marriage of William Ashe" and "Quinneys". Later films would include "The Prince and the Beggarmaid", "Sally Bishop", others include "She Stoops to Conquer", "Called Back", "Sweet Lavender", "The Outrage", "A Man of His Word", "Brother Officers", "Rupert of Hentzau", "Sowing the Wind", "The Manxman", "Iris", "Build Thy House", "Money", and "The Royal Oak". He also appeared in two film with speech or 'Talkies' which were "The First Mrs. Fraser" and "As You Like It".

Alexander, Sir George (1858 - 1919 ?) George Alexander appeared on stage for at least 30 years, in many play and parts, his first appearance was in 1877. His first Shakespeare role was as Paris in "Romeo and Juliet" at the Lyceum Theatre, London in 1882. other roles included Orlando (in 1896), Romeo, Benedick in (1898), Claudio, and Macduff. He was also a member of Sir Henry Irving's company.

Anderson, Mary (1859 - 1940) Mary Anderson appeared on stage for the first time in 1875 at Louisville, Kentucky, as Juliet. Her career on the stage lasted for over 30 years in the U.S.A. and the U.K.
She had several seasons in London Between 1883 and 1889,
she played Rosalind in "As You Like It" in 1885
which opened the Shakespeare Memorial theatre at Stratford-on-Avon.
She played Galatea in "Pygmalion and Galatea",
Clarice in "Comedy and Tragedy",
Hermione and Perdita in "A Winters Tale" at the Lyceum Theatre, London
which ran for 166 performances,
and Julia in "The Hunchback".
She retired from the stage in 1889 and married Antonio De Navarro in 1890,
in 1916 she returned to the stage to raise funds for World War I charities.
Her last Shakespeare performance was the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet in 1917

Asche, Thomas Stange Heiss Oscar (1871 - 1936) Oscar Asche had a long career on the stage, in management, and as director, he was with the Benson's Shakespearen Touring company from 1893 - 1902. Other appearances include "Iris" in 1902, "Chin Chin Chow" in 1917 and "Mecca" in 1920-1.
He also appeared in six films, and published a number books.

Ayrton, Randle (1869 - 1940) Randle (or Randal) Ayrton appear in a production called "One" in 1920,
and "Hassan" in 1924.