Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950

An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950 is a book that reveals the hidden Black history of this influential art form. It draws on lost archive material and digitized newspapers from the turn of the century onwards, and restores the story to its rightful place in British cultural history. The book explores the Black theatre community in London's Roaring 20s, the secret Florence Mills memorial concert, Buddy Bradley, Jack Johnson, William Garland, and performers like cabaret star Mabel Mercer and Black Birmingham comedian Eddie Emerson. Their names and works have never been included in histories of the British musical until now.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950 is a groundbreaking exploration that unveils the hidden Black history of this influential art form. Through the meticulous re-tracing and restoration of lost archive material and digitized newspapers from the turn of the century onwards, this captivating story has been brought to life.

Black performance practice played a vital role in combating racism in the UK during the 1900s and 1950s, making it an integral and significant part of British cultural history. Join Mayes, a Broadway- and Toronto-based Music Director, and Whitfield, a musical theatre historian and researcher, as they embark on a journey that delves into a historically inconvenient and brilliant reality that has long been overlooked.

In the Roaring 20s of London, explore the vibrant Black theatre community, including the secret Florence Mills memorial concert held in 1928. Discover the remarkable achievements of Buddy Bradley, a Black tap and ballet choreographer who reshaped dance in British musicals. Bradley frequently rehearsed at Noël Coward's apartment, showcasing his immense importance.

Meet Jack Johnson, the first African American Heavyweight Boxing Champion, who toured Britain's theatres during World War I, bringing the sounds of Chicago to war-weary cities like Dundee. Discover William Garland, the most prolific Black theatre practitioner you've never heard of, who worked for 40 years across multiple continents and championed Black British performers. Marvel at performers like cabaret star Mabel Mercer, born in Stafford in 1900, who sang and conducted theatre orchestras across the UK, as well as Black Birmingham comedian Eddie Emerson, who was Garland's partner for decades.

Many of their names and works have never been included in histories of the British music, highlighting the need for greater recognition and appreciation of their contributions.

This compelling book sheds light on a forgotten chapter of British musical theatre history, showcasing the resilience and creativity of Black performers and their profound impact on the art form. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse cultural heritage.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 157 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350232686