Leslie Eric Evershed-Martin, CBE (1903–1991) was a British theatre manager, city councillor and optician, and founder of the Chichester Festival Theatre.[1]
Leslie Eric Evershed-Martin | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 May 1903 |
| Died | 7 January 1994 (aged 90) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation(s) | Theatre impresario, city councillor and optician |
Evershed-Martin was born in Clapham, London in 1903. His father was a bank manager, and he trained as an optician. He was twice Mayor of Chichester and founded Chichester Players in 1933.[2] In 1959, Evershed-Martin founded the Chichester Festival Theatre, and then successfully raised the funding to see this 'Impossible theatre' built, in 1960.[3] The theatre opened with Laurence Olivier as its first artistic director, and attracted a host of prominent directors during its first two decades.[1] In July 1963 he was recognised with the award of member (serving brother) of the Order of Saint John.[4] He was awarded an OBE in June 1967,[5] and a CBE in June 1990 for his services to theatre.[6]
He was married with two sons and died in 1991.
Publications
edit- "The Impossible Theatre"
References
edit- ^ a b "Obituary: Leslie Evershed-Martin". The Independent. 28 January 1994.
- ^ "1994: Leslie". Chichester Festival Theatre.
- ^ "Chichester Festival Theatre - how it all began..."
- ^ "Page 5648 | Issue 43045, 2 July 1963 | London Gazette | The Gazette". www.thegazette.co.uk.
- ^ "Page 6281 | Supplement 44326, 2 June 1967 | London Gazette | The Gazette". www.thegazette.co.uk.
- ^ "Page 8 | Issue 52173, 15 June 1990 | London Gazette | The Gazette". www.thegazette.co.uk.
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