Henry Kendall, born on May 28, 1897, in London, was a multifaceted individual who excelled in various aspects of the entertainment industry. He was an English stage and film actor, a theatre director, and an exceptionally stylish revue artiste.
Kendall's educational background consisted of attending the City of London School, where he laid the foundation for his future success. His stage debut occurred in September 1914 at the Lyceum Theatre, where he played a minor role in Tommy Atkins. Prior to his stage career, Kendall served as a Captain in the Royal Air Force from 1916 to 1919, during which he had a distinguished war career.
Upon his demobilisation, Kendall was awarded the prestigious Air Force Cross. His career was marked by a remarkable balance between acting and directing, with numerous notable productions under his belt. Notably, he directed the first productions of See How They Run, which premiered at the Peterborough Rep, toured, and later opened at the Q Theatre in 1944, as well as the Comedy Theatre in 1945. Another notable production was The Shop at Sly Corner, which he directed at the St Martin's Theatre in 1945.
In addition to his work at the aforementioned theatres, Kendall also directed numerous plays at the Embassy Theatre and Q Theatre. Throughout his illustrious career, Kendall consistently demonstrated his versatility, flair, and dedication to his craft.
