Charles Gulliver

Charles Gulliver (7 April 1882 – 8 June 1961)[1] was a British music-hall producer and impresario who was also the secretary and a founder of the Variety Artistes' Federation in 1906.

Born in Southampton, in his youth, Gulliver worked in a solicitors' office, and thereby gained a basic understanding of the law.[2] The office building in which he worked also housed the offices of The Automobile Association (AA), and after demonstrating an interest in cars, he served for a short time as secretary and treasurer of the AA. At the time, the position was unpaid, so Gulliver focused on searching for a paid, full-time successor.[3]

Gulliver served as the first secretary of the Variety Artistes' Federation, a trade union representing variety performers. In 1909, he became secretary of the industry association, the London Theatres of Varieties, followed by a similar post with Barrasford Halls. He became managing director of the London Palladium in 1912.[2]

In the 1920s, Gulliver became managing director of the Moss Empires group of theatres, originated in Scotland by Edward Moss.

Gulliver retired from the variety business in 1932.[2]

He died at his home in Bexhill on 8 June 1961, aged 79.[1]

References

1. "Mr. Charles Gulliver". The Times (55104). 10 June 1961. p. 14.
2. Parker, John (1967). Who's Who in the Theatre (7 ed.). London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons. p. 654.
3. Keir, David; Morgan, Bryan (1955). Golden milestone: 50 years of the A.A. Automobile Association. p. 23.