Herbert Beerbohm Tree

Educated in Germany , he went on the stage in 1876 on his return to England , where he was noted for his Falstaff . By 1887 he was running the Haymarket Theatre in the West End of London. Ten years later, he was responsible for the construction of His Majesty's Theatre , also in the West End. He played many of the leading roles in his own elaborate productions, which included the premiere of George Bernard Shaw 's Pygmalion , in 1914 .

He married Helen Maud Holt ( 1863 - 1937 ), who had often played opposite him, in 1882. Iris Tree , the poet and actress, and the actress Viola Tree were their daughters.

He founded the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1904.