Harry Rickards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Rickards
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| Born |
Henry Benjamin Leete
4 December 1843 |
| Died | 13 October 1911 (aged 67) Croydon, Surrey, UK
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| Spouse(s) | Kate Rickards |
Harry Rickards (born Henry Benjamin Leete, 1843–1911) was a famous English singer, comedian, and theatre owner. He was a big star in vaudeville shows. He started his career in England. Later, he moved to Australia in 1871 and became very successful there.
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Harry Rickards' Early Life
Harry Rickards was born in Stratford, London, England. His father, Benjamin Halls Leete, was a printer and later an engineer. Harry was also expected to become an engineer. His parents were very strict and did not allow him to go to theatres. He married Caroline Hayden in 1862.
A Star on Stage
Harry Rickards discovered he was very good at singing funny songs. He started performing in music halls in England. He became known as "Harry Rickards" on stage. He even performed for the Prince of Wales!
Moving to Australia
In 1871, Harry Rickards traveled to Australia. He first performed in Melbourne in December 1871. He also had great success in Sydney. After facing some money problems in 1874, he toured the United States. He returned to London the next year. In 1876, he also took his show to South Africa.
Becoming a Theatre Boss
Back in England, he was a popular comedian in music halls. He visited Australia again in 1885. For many years, he toured Australia with his own vaudeville company. Around 1893, he bought the Garrick Theatre in Sydney. He renamed it the Tivoli.
Harry Rickards then created the "Tivoli circuit." This was a network of theatres he controlled across Australia. He owned the Opera House in Melbourne and leased other theatres.
Bringing Big Acts to Australia
Every year, Harry Rickards would visit England. Over 18 years, he brought many famous performers to Australia. He paid these talented artists very well. Some of the big names he brought included:
- Harry Houdini (the escape artist)
- Marie Lloyd (a famous singer)
- Paul Cinquevalli (a skilled juggler)
- Little Tich (a popular comedian)
Harry Rickards' Later Years
Harry Rickards had diabetes. He passed away in Croydon, England, in 1911. His body was brought back to Australia. He was buried in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney.
He was married twice and had two daughters. His second wife was Kate Roscoe, who was a trapeze artist and acrobat. Harry Rickards was known for singing popular songs like "Wot Cher! Knocked 'em in the Old Kent Road". He was also a very smart businessman. His work was his main hobby.
For about 25 years, Harry Rickards was a household name in Australia. At the time of his death, his theatre business was one of the largest in the world. Another entrepreneur, Hugh D. McIntosh, later took over his theatres.
