Benjamin Victor

Benjamin Victor (died 1778) was an English theater manager and writer. He began life as a hairdresser near Drury Lane. In 1722, he was in Norwich, possibly to establish a textile business. Later, he was engaged in Irish linen and founded a business in a large house at Pall Mall. Between 1734 and 1746 he visited Ireland to expand his ties; but the business was not profitable. In January 1746, he decided to abandon him, and on October 11, 1746, he settled with his family in Dublin as treasurer and deputy manager Thomas Sheridan at the Alley in Dymka Theater. The theater was quite successful for several years; but around 1753, Sheridan came into conflict with part of the theater public, and for two years Victor and John Soudon, the main actor in the company, took over its management. On July 15, 1755, Sheridan returned to Dublin, and Victor returned to his former post. In the end, the theater was closed on April 20, 1759, and Victor returned to England. Shortly after returning to England, Victor received the position of Treasurer of the Drury Lane Theater, which he retained until his death. Victor died in his home on Charles Street in Covent Garden, London, December 3, 1778. He was married until 1738; his first wife died at the end of 1757, and by 1759 he married again. The second marriage of Benjamin Victor was with Penelope Walsley, the illegitimate daughter of Sir William Walsley and actress, Christiana Horton.