Basil Foster

Basil Foster was one of seven brothers who played county cricket for Worcestershire at the turn of the 20th century, and consequently the team became known as “Fostershire”. Basil played for them between 1902-12, and later played for Middlesex. He was also a fine golfer, footballer, and rackets player.

Foster was educated at Malvern College where is father Henry was a teacher. Basil also became a schoolteacher. As a rackets player he went on to win the Amateur Singles Championship in 1912 and 1913. Additionally, Foster won the Amateur Doubles Championship five times between 1903-13 and, in winning in 1903 and 1907, was partnered by his cricket-playing siblings Henry and Wilfrid, respectively. Basil was selected for the 1908 Olympic rackets tournament, but was a non-starter.

Foster enjoyed a more successful career as an actor. He made his stage début at the Marlborough Theatre, Holloway, in April 1906 and went on to appear in some notable plays both on the West End stage and around the country. He served in the Hampshire Regiment in World War I but returned to the stage after the hostilities before starting a new career in management. He was manager of the Salisbury Playhouse the year before his death.