The Astaires

Brother and sister Adele and Fred Astaire first got noticed in London when they starred in their production "Stop flirting" in 1923 at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Kathleen Riley's biography of the Astaire's takes you through the adventure of their lives.

Their early days were comic, more the vaudeville style that they grew up in. However, they weren't ordinary and their talent was quickly recognised. In a very short time they were the new best thing, in no small way due to the fact that Adele oozed personality and charisma, on and off the stage. "The dance around" was one of their creations and they were soon the darlings of London and New York. The Gershwin's were writing music just for them and they became the catalysts that changed dance forever.

Life changed for both of them though when Adele accepted a marriage proposal from Lord Charles Cavendish and stopped performing.

The story of their lives is interesting and enlightening. You really must read Kathleen Riley's book to get all the details. Ginger? Well surprisingly she is not really a big part of the Astaire story.

March Theme Day - Electricity

This month's CityDailyPhoto (CDP) theme for a photo is electricity.

I've brought you an image of the Savoy Theatre. This grand building first opened in October 1881. Impressive for its grandeur but also impressive as it was the first public building in the world to be lit entirely by electricity. When? 1889!

It was revamped in 1929 and then rebuilt again in 1993 due to fire.

To see other interpretations of electricity today:
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Cecil Court

What a treasure this little alley is. In thre middle of theatre land, linking Charing Cross and St Martin's Lane. Antiquarian Book Store, original cartoons, rare maps, so much to keep you browsing for hours.
Cecil Court was laid out in the 17th century, named after Robert Cecil the first earl of Sailsbury a spymaster, a scretary of state for Elizabeth I and James I.
A very small street but packed with history, it was the address of W.A. Mozart and his family. Other long term residents include T.S. Eliot and actors Ellen Terry and John Gielgud.
Films, books, politics, Cecil Court has played an important role in them all.
The street is still owned by the Cecil family, and the buildings you see now date from the 1894 improvements.

The Mouse Trap

Now in its 60th year, this is the longest running show in the world. just goes to show how we all love a good who dunnit

Lend Me a Tenor

The other night I went to the splendidly refurbished Gielgud Theatre. The interiors of many of these old London theatres are almost like an artwork in their own right and it's worth attending a show just to get inside.

I saw Lend Me a Tenor a musical comedy of mistaken identity, charades and surprising romance. It was a fun production and made all the better by it's fabulous set and surroundings.

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