THE Shakespeare week held in Malvern 100 years ago was a great success, to judge by the space devoted to it in the Malvern Gazette.

The week was the creation of F R Benson, one of the foremost theatrical figures of the day, according to the contemporary account.

"From time to time very excellent productions are brought to the town, many of them the best touring in the provinces, but this week's engagement is much above anything we have had before, of course excepting the famous actor-manager's previous visits," said the Gazette.

"Mr Benson's company is too well known to need commendation. Unlike some combinations in which there is one star actor and a number of lesser lights, in it every artiste has been selected for his or her special character, and excels in it.

"Mr Benson has devoted himself since he left Oxford to the study of the higher drama, which while the pride of Britons is the admiration of the world.

"His productions are an education even to the man who knows the Immortal Bard's works by heart. The plays are amplified so as to form a revelation to him."

Shakespeare Week opened with The Merchant of Venice, which was "performed to a good audience including the Earl and Countess Beauchamp, who witnessed the famous actor-manager in one of his ablest characters, Shylock".

Julius Caesar, "one of the noblest of Shakespeare's tragedies", was next, with Benson taking the role of Mark Anthony.

He also appeared as Caliban in The Tempest, the title role in Richard II and Leontes in The Winter's Tale.

"Altogether the Shakespeare Week - the local arrangements for which have been carried out by Mr M T Stevens - has been a brilliant success in every way," concluded the report.