Freda Godfrey

Freda Godfrey. (“Florrie” -1889-1980) Actress

Biography

Born in London, she became a child star there (playing Wendy in Peter Pan for example) She became Rayne’s lover and was inseperable from him till his death in 1925. She then retired from the stage, married Herbert S Bishop and died in 1980 in Durban.

Her interesting biography – written by Margot Bryant – was published in 1979 as Born To Act.

Career

Freda Godfrey was brought to SA circa 1902 by Leonard Rayne. On board ship she learnt the part of Lily, Watson's daughter in the play Sherlock Holmes (play) [1]. As she matured she played numerous roles for the company, usually in the lead opposite Rayne, and became the darling of the South African stage during the first quarter of the 20th century.

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

.?** to appear as Peter Pan for six successive South African productions of the pantomime. Her notable performances include The Ever Open Door (1919), A White Man, Kismet, Within the Law, A Royal Divorce, The Prodigal Son,

Peter Pan, 1920.

Sources

Bryant, 1979.

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