Binkie Beaumont: Eminence Grise of the West End Theatre, 1933-1973

This book examines the life of the little-known but highly successful man whose productions dominated London theatre for over 30 years. Following 10 years of research, the author has uncovered the background and career of this elusive man of mystery, beginning with his origins in Cardiff. Binkie Beaumont was rarely photographed and avoided publicity, yet his company at one time had no less than 14 productions running simultaneously in London. He kept actors such as John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson and Vivien Leigh and designers including Cecil Beaton and Rex Whistler regularly in work. Authors such as Noel Coward, Terrence Rattigan and Peter Schaffer sent him their latest plays. Yet at the time of his death "The Times" admitted that they did not even know the man's real name. Richard Huggett is better known as an actor and playwright, but has written several book including "The Truth about Pygmalion" and "The Curse of Macbeth".