A Westbury man has recently published an elaborate new book on the history of theatres in Greater London.
Nicholas Charlesworth is the co-author, along with the late J.O. Blake, of the huge 528 page book. He is also the compiler, as the work includes 48 pages of theatre posters, pictures of performers and ticket stubs in full-colour.
The book has been described as, ‘The most comprehensive book on the subject yet published’, having taken 20 years to compile. ‘Variety at Night is Good for You’ is illustrated with over 400 of his line-and-wash drawings, giving extremely detailed views of the exteriors and interiors of theatre buildings.
The index, which is 20 pages, is a light entertainment reference in itself covering hundreds of performers, buildings, managers, architects and productions on the Variety stage.
Nicholas said, “This book brings together for the first time details and images of 92 lost entertainment buildings. The majority of them were demolished in the 1950s and 1970s, and the drawings depict the era before television changed the scene.
“Many of these lost theatres were architectural gems designed to delight audiences even before the curtain went up. Architects like Frank Matcham, W.G.R. Sprague and Bertie Crewe, working with brilliant plasterers such as De Jong, produced some wonderfully imaginative interiors – most of which are illustrated here, but are now lost. There is also a wonderful array of programmes and posters from each hall as well as photographs of artistes, pictures of some of the old-time chairmen and illustrations showing details of the theatre circuits that covered the London area. There are even ticket stubs to prove that these lost theatres really existed.
“Many of the West End theatres covered are still standing, although mostly now operating as homes for musical shows. However, the former Variety theatres North and South of the Thames have mostly been demolished before their useful and decorative qualities were properly appreciated.
“Theatres such as The Metropolitan, Edgware Road, Paddington or The Queen’s Theatre in Poplar were gems and, had they survived a few more years, would surely have been renovated and kept in use.
“A big, well-equipped house like The Finsbury Park Empire (originally built for £45,000) would surely be cherished as a state theatre in many a continental town.”
A long-time devotee of the music hall, Nicholas, was the founder vice-chairman of The British Music Hall Society in 1963 and was a founder member of The Woodlanders Music Hall Company in 1977.
He is also a Friend of The Theatres Trust which provides leadership in the planning and protection of theatres, safeguarding existing theatres and improving the planning environment for theatres across England, Scotland and Wales.
The book is a ‘must’ for theatre, research or architectural enthusiasts and can be ordered online from www.vaudeville-postcards.com at £40 including post and packing in UK ISBN 978 0 9526076 6 3
