CYRIL NORTHCOTE AUSTRALIAN VARIETY THEATRE ARCHIVE: RESEARCH NOTES See last page for citation, copyright and last updated details. (-1953) Comedian, scenic artist, pianist, troupe proprietor, entrepreneur. Cyril N. Northcote first toured Australasia with Sydney James' Royal Strollers (1914- 1918) and the East (1918-1919). After co-founding the Futurists costume comedy company in 1920 he spent three years playing destinations in the East, Africa and Middle East. Between 1924 and 1929 he and his wife, Ira Bissett, lived in Australia. During this period they were involved in the Futurists' three revivals (including the 1927-28 radio ensemble), while Northcote also established associations with Walter George, Billy Maloney (New Ideas Co), Elton Black (London Revels), Clay's Theatres, and Joe Brennan (Brennan & Northcote's Revue Co). He and Bissett operated a variety circuit out of Calcutta, India, between 1930 and 1936, and then returned to Australia where they initially worked in radio (for 2BL). Northcote's later career included engagements with Sir Benjamin Fuller, Stanley McKay, the Radio Revels, and Levante. Northcote and Bissett (aka Ira Vanda and Ira Love) worked and toured together for many years. The couple, who are known to have had at least one child (a son named John), lived in Adelaide between ca. 1942 and 1952, with Northcote involved in local theatre as both performer and administrator. He died suddenly on 17 August 1953 at their home in Coogee, Sydney. ► See also: The Futurists • London Revels (aka Black and Northcote's London Revels) • Northcote was possibly born in England. • Also with the Royal Strollers during its 1914-1918 Aust- ralasian tour was G.W. Desmond (aka Dismal Desmond). Northcote and Desmond maintained a working association that lasted on and off for more than 20 years - notably through the Futurists [1]. • During his time with Sydney James, Northcote appeared in the Tivoli's Passing Show (1916) with other members of the troupe. The tour of the East ended in 1919 following James' death in Karachi, Pakistan. Further Reference: "Swiss Family Robinson." Advertiser (Adelaide) 18 Feb. (1930), 12. [Ira Vanda recounts meeting a 77 year old man, his 25 year old "wife" and baby who had been living alone on a small island in the Great Barrier Reef.] Register (Adelaide) 6 Sept. 1928, 14. Arrow (Sydney) 15 Feb. 1918, 3.
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CYRIL NORTHCOTE
AUSTRALIAN VARIETY THEATRE ARCHIVE: RESEARCH NOTES
See last page for citation, copyright and last updated details.
