Compton, Virginia (1853–1940)
Compton, Virginia (1853–1940)
American-born actress and theatrical manager. Name variations: Mrs. Edward Compton; Virginia Frances Bateman. Born Virginia Frances Bateman, Jan 1, 1853; died May 4, 1940; dau. of H(ezekiah) L(inthicum) Bateman; sister of Isabel Emilie Bateman (1854–1934, actress); sister-in-law of Katherine Compton (actress); m. Edward Compton (actor and manager, died 1918); children: Frank Compton, Ellen Compton (actress), Fay Compton (actress), Viola Compton (actress) and Compton Mackenzie (novelist).
Played Ophelia to Henry Irving's Hamlet (1875) and Desdemona to his Othello; following marriage, played leading parts with the Compton Comedy Company, touring the provinces and appearing in London at the Strand (1883 and 1886); assumed control of the company when husband died; opened the Repertory Theatre, Nottingham (1920).