Postwar Binkie Beaumont
noël coward
the rise of state-subsidised theatre, , emergence of kitchen sink drama undermined beaumont s pre-eminence beginning in 1950s. disapproved of both, , stuck style of lavish, starry west end productions, when began go out of fashion. alienated both coward , terence rattigan arrogant , duplicitous behaviour. beaumont attempted sabotage former s new play waiting in wings telling him actresses coward wanted cast refused play in it, whereas in reality beaumont had not consulted them. continued have enormous successes: in 1958, presented first british productions of both west side story (1040 performances) , fair lady (2281 performances). latter cost unprecedented sum stage, but, sustained publicity campaign tennent s, advance bookings meant show in net profit 2 months before opened.
beaumont sufficiently overcame suspicion of subsidised theatre founder member of board of national theatre, on served energy , commitment during last ten years of life. continued run h m tennent until death. in last few years produced many productions play again sam , winslow boy , bequest nation , promises, promises . last production tennent s 1973 revival of maugham s constant wife, starring ingrid bergman, directed gielgud, opened after beaumont s death.
beaumont died @ house in lord north street, westminster, @ age of 64.
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