Arthur Bourchier

Who was Arthur Bourchier?

Arthur Bourchier was an English actor and theatre manager. He married and later divorced the actress Violet Vanbrugh.

Bourchier was noted for roles both in classical drama, particularly Shakespeare, and in contemporary plays, including works by W. S. Gilbert, Anthony Hope, Arthur Wing Pinero and Alfred Sutro. He managed several West End theatres during his career, including the Royalty, the Criterion, the Garrick, His Majesty's and the Strand.

In his later years Bourchier became active in British politics as a member of the Labour Party.