Charles Shadwell (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Shadwell
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Shadwell in 1945, conducting the BBC Variety Orchestra
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Murray Winstanley Shadwell |
| Born | 26 March 1898 Dormans Park, Surrey, England |
| Died | 28 July 1979 (aged 81) Pershore, Worcestershire, England |
| Genres | Classical, light orchestral |
| Occupation(s) | Conductor, composer |
| Years active | 1920–1970s |
Charles Murray Winstanley Shadwell (born March 26, 1898 – died July 28, 1979) was a famous British conductor and bandleader. He was well-known for his work on BBC radio, especially during World War II. Many people knew him as "Charlie" Shadwell.
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Who Was Charles Shadwell?
Charles Murray Winstanley Shadwell was a well-known British conductor and bandleader. He was born on March 26, 1898, in Dormans Park, Surrey, England. He became famous for his work on BBC radio, especially during the 1930s and 1940s.
Early Life and Musical Start
Before becoming a musician, Charles Shadwell served in the military. He was part of the Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment. After his military service, he went to the Royal Academy of Music to study music.
He began his career playing piano for silent films. These were movies without sound, so live music was played along with them. Later, he became a musical director for theatres in cities like Portsmouth, Brighton, and Coventry.
A Star on the Radio
In 1932, Charles Shadwell started conducting the Coventry Hippodrome Orchestra. They performed weekly concerts that were broadcast on BBC radio. His talent was noticed, and in 1936, he became the conductor of the BBC Variety Orchestra.
The BBC Variety Orchestra performed in many radio shows under Shadwell's direction. This was between 1936 and 1946. He even wrote his own music, including his theme tune, "Down with the Curtain." This song was played at the end of shows like Music Hall.
The ITMA Show
Charles Shadwell became a very popular public figure. This was partly because he would joke and talk with the comedians on the radio shows. This tradition was started in Britain by stars Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon.
His most famous interactions were with Tommy Handley on the radio comedy show ITMA. Shadwell was often playfully teased by Handley. He became so important to the show that he was almost like one of the main characters.
Shadwell also had an idea for a wartime radio show called Garrison Theatre. This show was based on his own experiences. He had been an entertainments officer during the First World War.
Later Years
In 1948, Charles Shadwell started his own orchestra. They performed in theatres and on BBC radio broadcasts. During the 1950s, he often appeared with his orchestra in Paignton, Devon, during the summer.
Later in his life, he became the landlord of a pub called the Green Man, Trumpington. He also became the President of the Cambridge Concert Orchestra.
Charles Shadwell passed away in Pershore, Worcestershire, in 1979. He was 81 years old.
