Bernard Delfont: The Theatrical Impresario Who Brought Glamour to the West End
A Life of Showbiz and Spectacle
Bernard Delfont, Baron Delfont, was a leading Russian-born British theatrical impresario who brought glamour and spectacle to the West End. With a career spanning over five decades, Delfont was instrumental in shaping the London theatre scene, producing over 200 shows in London and New York City, including more than 50 musicals.
Early Life and Career
Born Boris Winogradsky on September 5, 1909, in Tokmak, Berdyansky Uyezd, Taurida Governorate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), Delfont was the second son of Isaac and Olga Winogradsky, a Jewish family. His brothers, Lew Grade and Leslie Grade, also entered show business, forming the Grade Organisation. At the age of 12, Delfont left school and followed Lew into music halls, changing his name to Delfont to avoid confusion with his brother. He formed a dance partnership with comic Hal Monty called The Delfont Boys, and later formed another dance partnership called Delfont & Toko.
Rise to Prominence
In 1937, Delfont stopped dancing and followed Lew in becoming an agent and impresario. During World War II, he became involved in the theatre, producing his first show,
Room for Two, in 1941. He then started staging shows in London from 1942 with
Jam Tomorrow at the St Martins Theatre. In 1949, he entered theatrical management and acquired theatres in the West End of London.
A Legacy of Glamour and Entertainment
Delfont's productions were synonymous with glamour and entertainment. He acquired the London Casino and converted the London Hippodrome into the Talk of the Town nightclub, bringing in entertainers such as
Lena Horne,
Shirley Bassey,
Frank Sinatra,
Eartha Kitt,
Judy Garland, The Ink Spots,
Sophie Tucker,
Barbra Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr., and Laurel & Hardy. He also secured the exclusive rights from Paul Derval to stage the Folies Bergère for the first time outside Paris.
Musicals and Milestones
Delfont presented some of the most iconic musicals of the 20th century, including the original productions of
Little Me,
Stop the World – I Want to Get Off,
City Of Angels,
Funny Girl, and
Sweet Charity. His productions were often lavish and spectacular, featuring big-name stars and stunning costumes and sets.
Awards and Honors
Delfont was recognized for his contributions to the theatre industry, receiving a knighthood in 1974 and a life peerage in 1976. He was also awarded the Society of West End Theatre's Special Award in 1979.
Personal Life and Legacy
Delfont was married to Carole Lynne, a former dancer, and had two sons, Jonathan and David. He passed away on July 28, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of glamour and entertainment that continues to inspire generations of theatre-goers. His sister, Rita Grade, wrote a book about the family called
My Fabulous Brothers, which provides a unique insight into the lives of the Grade family.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1909: Born Boris Winogradsky on September 5
- 1912: Family moves to the East End of London
- 1921: Leaves school and follows Lew into music halls
- 1937: Stops dancing and becomes an agent and impresario
- 1941: Produces first show, Room for Two
- 1942: Starts staging shows in London with Jam Tomorrow at the St Martins Theatre
- 1949: Enters theatrical management and acquires theatres in the West End of London
- 1974: Receives a knighthood
- 1976: Receives a life peerage
- 1979: Receives the Society of West End Theatre's Special Award
- 1994: Passes away on July 28
Quotes and Memorable Sayings
"Theatre is a way of life. It's not just a job – it's a passion."
"I never thought about making money. I only thought about putting on the best show possible."
Impact on Modern Society
Delfont's legacy continues to inspire generations of theatre-goers and producers. His impact on the London theatre scene was immense, and his productions helped to establish the West End as a major centre for musical theatre. His commitment to glamour and entertainment has influenced the way we experience live theatre today.
