Cary Ellison Theatre Programme Collection
TitleCary Ellison Theatre Programme Collection
ReferenceKUAS75
Date
1954-1981
Production date 1954-01-01 - 1981-12-31
Scope and ContentThe collection consists of the programmes collected by Cary Ellison during his twice-yearly tours of repertory theatres, complete with his notes and commentary.
Extent42 boxes
Physical descriptionProgrammes were originally attached to loose sheets of paper within ringbinder folders or pages within hardback scrapbooks using adhesive tape. During the conservation process the tape was removed, along with all staples. To replicate Ellison's format, the programmes have been sewn onto archival backing sheets and placed within archival ringbinder boxes. Any numbers or notes written by Ellison on the original sheets of paper have been retained. Some of the programmes remain fragile and careful handling is required.
Archival historyDonated by Tim and Angela Combe. In 2019-2020 the collection was professionally conserved with support from The Aurelius Trust, The Pilgrim Trust, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Persons keyword Cary Ellison, 1915-2002, adviser, talent scout, Spotlight
SubjectTheatre, Theatre Programmes, Reviews
Admin. history/BiographyBorn Ellison Bayles in 1915, Cary Ellison adopted his stage name on the advice of his agent shortly after beginning his acting career in 1939. He spent many years touring in theatrical productions, and on one such tour met the actress Olive Milbourne whom he married in 1944. Some years later Ellison decided to move away from acting and in 1953 he joined the advisory team of major casting directory, Spotlight. Ellison's task was to improve the number of Spotlight subscribers and within only a few years the directory had more than doubled in size, with new actors and actresses regularly added to its pages. As part of his work Ellison toured UK repertory theatres twice a year, making notes on the cast, directors and plays, in order to help match actors with suitable roles, and identify future theatre stars. Those Ellison spotted early on include Derek Jacobi, Richard Briers, Judi Dench, Patricia Routledge and Leonard Rossiter. He would also make notes on the performances of such well known figures as Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, and Vivien Leigh at the peak of their fame. Ellison's influence was not only confined to Spotlight however. He held an advisory service for performers looking to improve their career prospects, and also founded ‘12’; an association for those interested in supporting the future of the acting industry.
Ellison retired from Spotlight in 1980, at which time many of those whose careers he had helped shape, held a tribute concert in his honour. Even after his retirement Ellison continued to advise up-and-coming actors at Guildford School of Drama. He died in 2002.
Levelfonds
