Blue Plaque unveiled for theatre impresario who brought together Gilbert and Sullivan - Film director Mike Leigh honours Richard D'Oyly Carte

Published: 16 December 2010
by DAN CARRIER

THERE is something in the air in Dartmouth Park, according to film director Mike Leigh – something that gets the creative juices flowing.

The film-maker made a speech on Tuesday at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque for Richard D’Oyly Carte. He was the theatrical impresario who brought together Gilbert and Sullivan. He was also the hotelier who built the Savoy and its theatre – the first to have electric lights – and he is attributed with introducing the saxophone to Britain. 

And Mr Leigh said it was no surprise to him that the man of many talents had spent his formative years in the detached Victorian villa in Dartmouth Park Road – and the area was simply brimming with  those of an artistic bent.

He said: “I lived around Gospel Oak when I was a student and it struck me then how it was always full of artistic people – and it has been the case for much longer than many would think. It has always been an extraordinary place.”

He cited the fact that D’Oyly Carte lived in the family house between 1870 to 1880, and returned there many times after he had moved out to live with his wife, and also that John Betjeman was born in Lissenden Gardens, 100 yards away from the house.

Mr Leigh, who adapted Gilbert and Sullivan in his film Topsy Turvy, praised the varied work of D’Oyly Carte, adding that the son of a flutemaker never stopped innovating. He had 100 acts on his theatrical agency’s books, including Gilbert and Sullivan: the pair were brought together in 1875 and he produced 13 of their major works. 

As well as the Savoy he built the Royal English Opera House. He also loved new innovations. 

Mr Leigh added: “He was the first person in the country to have a lift installed in a private home, was a successful composer in his own right, and even was one of the first people in the country to take up jogging: he would be spotted running around Russell Square, where he lived, when this type of exercise was just not done.” 

Other eccentricities included fitting out a holiday home on an island in the Thames where he kept a pet crocodile.

Mr Leigh added that in the cut-throat and risky world of theatre production, D’Oyly Carte quickly earned a reputation for never backing a dud. 

English Heritage historian Susan Skedd added: “He was a shrewd businessman and an out­standing stage manager. He succeeded in maintaining his worldwide monopoly over Gilbert and Sullivan productions and set new standards in staging and singing in opera. He also proved to be an innovative hotelier and created the first luxury hotel in London. 

“The Savoy was the first place to serve cocktails and have electric lights, for example. 

“He was unrivalled in his day and is the first opera impresario to be honoured with a Blue Plaque.”