Clarke and Meynell was a theatrical production company in Australia.
History
Clyde Harold van Straubenzee, (1869–1934), son of Lt-Colonel Frederick van Straubenzee, trained as a doctor, but abandoned medicine for the stage, as Clyde Meynell actor, and (later) theatrical manager.
Meynell and John Gunn (c. 1869–1909) founded Strand Comedy Company 1905, leased the
Criterion Theatre, Sydney. Gunn was a nephew of
Michael Gunn and cousin of
George Edwardes
George Joseph Edwardes (né Edwards; 8 October 1855 – 4 October 1915) was an English theatre manager and producer of Irish ancestry who brought a new era in musical theatre to the British stage and beyond.
Edwardes started out in theatre ma ...
.
Became Clarke, Meynell and Gunn with addition of
Sir Rupert Clarke and (briefly)
John Wren
John Wren (3 April 1871 – 26 October 1953) was an Australian bookmaker, boxing and wrestling promoter, Irish nationalist, land speculator, newspaper owner, racecourse and racehorse owner, soldier, pro-conscriptionist and theatre owner. He ...
in March 1908. In 1909 they secured rights to ''
The Arcadians'', and formed a comic opera company in England to play it, hiring
Charles Wenman as producer.
In 1911 the company merged with
J. C. Williamson's of which Clarke became a director and Meynell was made Managing Director. Returned to England 1924 and resumed his medical practice, but was not successful.
References
{{Reflist
1905 establishments in Australia
1911 disestablishments in Australia
Australian theatre managers and producers