Charles Fraser

Charles Fraser (fl. mid-19th century) was a professinal actor, stage manager and entrepreneur.

There is a reference to a Mrs C. Fraser in Bosman (1980), but it is uncertain whether this is a typing error, and the reference is to Fraser himself, or possibly to his wife.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

At one time a member of Sefton Parry’s company, and its stage manager , he took on the same roles for J.E.H. English’s company (The Gentlemen Amateurs) in 1858, working in the New Music Hall in Buitekant Street, Cape Town, which he later the year took over and renamed the Cabinet Theatre. He utilized the venue for some very successful seasons of comedies and farces with members of the Cape Town Dramatic Club and the Garrison Players (1858-1860), also performing himself.

Among the many works he performed were Caught by the Ears (Selby), My "Son" Diana (Harris), John Jones (Buckstone).

On 12 January, 1861, the Cape Town Dramatic Club put on a benefit performance for Mrs C. Fraser and Mr H. Seymour, and on 18 February the company did their farewell performance, consisting of Duchess or Nothing (Gordon), The Plagued Professor ("An Original Interlude expressly written for this occasion" by Cresswell, "characters by members of the Royal Alfred Club) and The Unfinished Gentleman (Selby)