Kenneth Barnes
Sir Kenneth Ralph Barnes was director of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, from 1909-55.
Born at Heavitree, near Exeter, one of six siblings, his sisters, Irene and Violet became actresses.
In 1921 he instigated the building of a new theatre for RADA which was totally demolished by bombing in 1941. A new Vanbrugh Theatre was opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1954 shortly before Sir Kenneth's retirement. He was knighted in 1938.
