ON TOUR week beginning 21st May 1888, The Royalty, Chester.  This venue was one that the Benson Company returned to on at least 21 occasions up until 1932.  Opening in 1882, it closed as a theatre in 1966, demolished in 2001.  A hotel now stands on the City Road site.  These photographs of the interior date from the 1940s and 1950s.

The Cheshire Observer for Saturday 26th May described Benson as 'a most gifted actor...whose abilities are most particularly adapted for the exposition of  the highest flights of tragedy...supported in his efforts by a company of much talent.'  During the week they performed Hamlet (Mon), Romeo and Juliet (Tues), Merchant of Venice (Wed), Othello (Thurs), The Merry Wives of Windsor  (Fri) and Richard III (Sat) with Othello singled out for particular praise.  This was the final date in their touring season before a long summer break.