Background
He was born and grew up in Taree, New South Wales and studied to be a teacher in Sydney.
He was born and grew up in Taree, New South Wales and studied to be a teacher in Sydney.
In 1934 he joined Doris Fitton"s Independent Theatre, and in 1937 retired from teaching to concentrate on acting. He played with Independent in most of their productions at the Savoy Theatre or their own hall at 360 Miller Street, Sydney then as producer or assistant to Doris Fitton. He spent three years working in England, including some performances at the Old Victoria
From 1943 he directed Shakespeare productions at the Theatre Royal for J. C. Williamson"s Austral-American Productions.
He then took a group to Japan to entertain the Occupation Forces. On his return, he acted in or produced several plays at the Independent Theatre, including a 1959 production of A Midsummer Night"s Dream.
He then formed his own Shakespeare company which in 1951-1952 embarked on a national tour, playing major parts as well as producing. In 1959 he was sponsored by J. C. Williamson in a national Shakespeare tour with Scottish actor John Laurie playing Lear and Shylock alternately with him.
In 1961 he helped organise the Sydney Shakespeare Festival.