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Sheila Van Damm – We Never Closed – First UK Edition 1967 – SIGNED
£450.00
A first edition, first printing of ‘We Never Closed’ published by Robert Hale in 1967. A near fine book a touch spotted to the page edges. SIGNED and inscribed to Patricia on the reverse of the half title page. In a very good lightly edge worn dust wrapper which has been neatly clipped. Signed copies are exceptionally rare.
WE NEVER CLOSED was the proud boast of London’s tiny Windmill Theatre, which survived the Blitz of WWII and never missed a performance of its ‘Revudeville’ from 1932 to 1964. It was more famous, however, for its female nudes whose artistic poses ornamented the stage but never moved an inch – by order of the Lord Chamberlain! A surprising number of UK comedians got their start at the Windmill: many of them are noted in the text. There were four shows a day at this little theatre (300+ seats) and during wartime they were mostly all occupied. The theatre was actually financed by the widowed but wealthy and energetic Laura Henderson, who had a zest for living and was not averse to taking financial risks from time to time. She is portrayed by Judi Dench in the enjoyable film, Mrs Henderson Presents. Some of her letters are quoted in the book, as is some of the correspondence between producer Vivian Van Damm and the Lord Chamberlain. Van Damm’s daughter, Sheila, a champion rally driver, who took over management when her father died in 1960, is the author of the book and she provides wonderful backstage stories.
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- Description
Description
A first edition, first printing of ‘We Never Closed’ published by Robert Hale in 1967. A near fine book a touch spotted to the page edges. SIGNED and inscribed to Patricia on the reverse of the half title page. In a very good lightly edge worn dust wrapper which has been neatly clipped. Signed copies are exceptionally rare.
WE NEVER CLOSED was the proud boast of London’s tiny Windmill Theatre, which survived the Blitz of WWII and never missed a performance of its ‘Revudeville’ from 1932 to 1964. It was more famous, however, for its female nudes whose artistic poses ornamented the stage but never moved an inch – by order of the Lord Chamberlain! A surprising number of UK comedians got their start at the Windmill: many of them are noted in the text. There were four shows a day at this little theatre (300+ seats) and during wartime they were mostly all occupied. The theatre was actually financed by the widowed but wealthy and energetic Laura Henderson, who had a zest for living and was not averse to taking financial risks from time to time. She is portrayed by Judi Dench in the enjoyable film, Mrs Henderson Presents. Some of her letters are quoted in the book, as is some of the correspondence between producer Vivian Van Damm and the Lord Chamberlain. Van Damm’s daughter, Sheila, a champion rally driver, who took over management when her father died in 1960, is the author of the book and she provides wonderful backstage stories.
