Tom Pollard facts for kids

Tom Pollard, a famous producer.

Tom Pollard (born April 28, 1857 – died August 30, 1922) was a talented producer and manager of comic operas. He was from New Zealand. Comic operas are fun plays with music, singing, and lots of jokes.

Early Life and New Name

Tom Pollard was born in 1857 in Launceston, which was then called the Colony of Tasmania. His birth name was Tom O'Sullivan.

He later changed his name to Pollard. He did this because his wife's family was very well known in the world of opera. In 1881, he joined their family opera company.

When his wife's oldest brother passed away in 1884, Tom became a partner in the company. His father-in-law, J. J. Pollard, made him a partner. Together, they had many successful tours to New Zealand.

Pollard's Lilliputians

In 1881, Tom Pollard started his own company called "Pollard's Lilliputians." This group was special because it had 80 young performers. All of these talented kids were from Australia or New Zealand.

In 1882, the company traveled around. They performed funny operas like Les Cloches de Corneville and HMS Pinafore. They toured through Australian colonies, India, and Singapore. Everywhere they went, their shows were very popular and the theaters were full.

A program from Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company.

Later Years and New Ventures

The "Pollard's Lilliputians" company stopped performing in 1886. But Tom Pollard brought it back in 1891. He worked with another person named J. C. Williamson for a short time. By 1892, Tom was the only manager of the company.

In 1903, Pollard's company toured South Africa. They were called the Australian Opera Co. However, the company took a break later that same year. Tom started it up again in 1907. The company finally stopped performing for good in 1909.

After his opera career, Tom Pollard moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. There, he started a new business. He founded a movie company called Pollard's Pictures with his brother, Pat O'Sullivan.