Hicks, Seymour Edward (Sir)

1871

1949

Sir Seymour Edward Hicks was born at St Helier, Jersey, the eldest son of Major Hicks and Grace Seymour. Although he was originally intended for the Army, he entered the theatrical profession in November 1887 and was a principal light comedian in the Gaiety company. He toured for a long time with the Kendalls in America and Britain, and with his own company in Africa, Australia and Canada. He appeared with equal success in musical comedy, straight plays and music halls. Hicks was among the first to entertain troops in France during the First World War. He received the Legion of Honour from the French government in 1931; he was knighted in 1935. Hicks wrote and produced 64 plays, including “The Man in Dress Clothes”, in which he is pictured as Lucien in the painting by Codner (G0299). Other plays included “Under the Clock”, “Catch of the Season” and “Bluebell in Fairyland”. His performance in his “Sleeping Partners” was especially memorable. He also published several volumes of memoirs, among them “Twenty Four Years of an Actor’s Life” (1910) and “Vintage Years” (1943). In 1931 he published “Acting: A Book for Amateurs”. He enjoyed a happy marriage with the actress Ellaline Terriss. Sir Seymour became a member of the Garrick Club in February 1899. He died on 6 April 1949.