Owners / Managers

J. J. Poole

J. J. Poole is a less shadowy figure and one of many instances of a growth to power among the lieutenants of music hall proprietors. Poole was by profession a musician, the conductor of a provincial theatre orchestra. His first London post was that of manager and musical director of the Metropolitan Music Hall with which he was connected throughout his career, first under Winder, then his successor, George Speedy, and finally under Walter Gooch, a director of the Alhambra.

In 1874 Poole acquired a proprietary interest in the South London Music Hall in succession to Edwin Villiers, who in that year took over the management of the London Pavilion. His vigorous policy at both these houses was evidenced by the number of artists to whom he gave a London reputation. The creation of the "Lion Comique" was in some measure the work of this manager - the phrase was actually his invention. Among the many artists whom he brought from the provinces, the most important was Vance. Poole died in 1882.                                                                  From EARLY DOORS by Harold Scott