| Collection | David Drummond Pantomime Collection |
| Admin history | Sir Emile Littler, originally named Emile Richieux, was born in Ramsgate Kent on 9th September 1903 and was the second son to parents Jules Richieux and Agnes May, née Paisey, both of whom were theatrical managers. Following the death of Jules Richieux in 1911, in 1914 his mother married Frank Rolison Littler, who adopted Emile and his four siblings.
Having received a private education at Stratford-upon-Avon and a brief stint as an actor, Emile turned to backstage work, working at a theatre in Southend-on-Sea as an assistant manager by 1922 and then, in 1923, moving to the Royal Court Theatre in London a year later as business manager. He later became the assistant stage manager of Sir Barry Jackson’s Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1925. Between 1927 and 1931, he worked in the United States of America for managements, including the Shubert Organization. On his return to Britain in 1931, he became the manager and licensee of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
He continued to expand his management of theatres in 1934 by setting up his own account. His theatrical productions included: Victoria Regina, 1066 and All That, Once in a Lifetime, Song of Norway, Annie Get Your Gun and Zip Goes a Million, and revivals of The Maid of the Mountains, The Quaker Girl, Lilac Time, The Student Prince and The Desert Song. Emile was also known for his producing pantomimes and presented and co-authored more than two hundred pantomimes during the Christmas season not only in London but, also, across Britain. He was also in charge of the Palace Theatre in London between 1946 and 1983 and had two stints as President of the Society of West End Theatre Managers: 1964–67 and 1969–70. He also served on the board of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Alongside his siblings Prince Littler and Blanche Littler, later Lady Robey, Emile went on to become one of the most influential producers of the theatre management industry.
Emile Littler married the actress Cora Griffin in 1933 and had two daughters with her. He died on 23rd January 1985 at his home in Sussex at the age of 81. |
| Related Person | Littler, Emile (1903-1985) |