Tom Arnold (Theatre Impressario)

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Tom Arnold, OBE (1897 - February 2, 1969) was a theatrical producer in the United Kingdom.

Born in Yorkshire, Arnold spent much of his life travelling although he considered Brighton his second home. His business activities were extensive and included opera, classical plays, films, revues, American rodeo and variety, ice spectaculars and circuses. He had interests in seaside piers and pleasure steamers and controlled the Ice Palace in Brighton. His empire extended to the continent and South Africa. He was one of the most versatile and successful theatrical businessmen of his day. ^[1] He started in the theatre world shortly after the First World War as a promoter and manager of touring revues seen mainly in provincial theatres and music halls.

He staged his first London Pantomime in 1937 with a production of Aladdin. He made at least one venture into Shakespeare with a production casting Ivor Novello as Henry V at Drury Lane in 1938.^[1]

In the world of film, he produced films in which George Formby appeared.

He is remembered in particular for his ice shows and circuses. Some of the most lavish and expensive ice shows ever produced were shown at Harringay Arena and the Wembley Arena. Harringay Arena was also home to his circus productions from 1947 to 1958.

Dubbed the King of Pantomime, it is perhaps his staging of pantomimes for which he is best remembered. In the year he died he was responsible for the production of fifteen pantomimes with a total cost of half a million pounds. He claimed to have staged 400 pantomimes in his lifetime.^[1]

[edit] References

[edit] Sources

• Fordham, S.J., Impressario, Impressario, (HHK Ltd, 1972)
• Obituary, The Guardian, February 3, 1969.