MTA/5/1/2/35

MTA/5/1/2/35

Item

My Story Memory: Malcolm La Bas remembers seeing Duke Ellington and becoming the Chairman of Mayflower Theatre

1958

I believe that the year is correct but it may be a little later or earlier. I had the pleasure of meeting my musical hero, Duke Ellington, in his dressing room when he signed a photo for me, which is still proudly displayed in my study. I cannot donate the photo but am happy for it to be copied if that helps. At that time, I regularly attended the cinema but have no recollection of the films that I saw! I was delighted to act for the Theatre when it was saved in 1986 and then subsequently became a Board member and now have the privilege of being its Chairman. It fulfils an important cultural need for the City and for me and my family. Whilst we still go to the West End for some shows, the Mayflower is our first port of call when considering which shows to see next. The quality of the productions is now so good that we are never let down.