Frank Tyars (1848-1918), as Borachio (from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by William Shakespeare)
Frank Tyars was an actor who performed in many plays at the Lyceum Theatre, London, many of which Henry Irving was also performing in or directing. He also performed alongside Irving during his last play; Becket in October 1905 at the Theatre Royal, Bradford. Irving played the lead, and Tyars performed as Sir Reginald Fitzurse. Frank Tyars also appeared on Broadway in 1906.
The artist of this painting, Johnstone Forbes-Robertson, was first and foremost an actor. He also performed mostly Shakespeare and was considered the finest Hamlet of the Victorian Era. He first came to prominence on the stage playing second leads to Henry Irving.
