 |
|
|
 |
The Museum
|
 |
Frederick Curzon,
The great theatrical impressario, who made his fortune despite the shift in public taste from West End theatre to West End music-hall. Ironically enough for the cigar-loving Curzon, the increased popularity of the music-hall had more to do with the smoking habits of the time than any lightening of the mood of Edwardian audiences. One of the main differences between theatre and music-hall was the strict non-smoking policy of the classical theatre. Once a gentleman had established that his female companion did not mind the smell of tobacco, he was more likely to buy tickets for the show where he could enjoy a smoke during the performance.
Despite the slow demise of the Edwardian musical comedy which his theatres put on, the producer Curzon always ensured he worked with the most popular artistes of the time, such as the "dinner-jacket comedian" Gerald du Maurier with whom he joined forces at Wyndham's Theatre. He also put on a series of works by the talented lyricist and composer Paul A. Rubens at the Prince of Wales Theatre, principally as vehicles for the beautiful actress Isabel Jay, who was later to become his wife.
JJ Fox & Robert Lewis, 19 St James's Street,
London, SW1A 1ES
Tel:+44 (0)20 7930 3787 Fax:+44 (0)20 7495 0097
