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Source: Australian variety Theatre Archive
Lance Lenton Lance Lenton i(A3129 works by) (birth name: Lancelot Shadwell McLeod Keen)
Born: Established: 1854 Hobart, Southeast Tasmania, Tasmania, ; Died: Ceased: 25 Aug 1900 Sydney, New South Wales,
Gender: Male
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BiographyHistory

Minstrel comedian/writer/ librettist/songwriter/journalist.

The son of a Hobart doctor and brother of actor Walter Keen, Lance Lenton has first been identified with the Royal Coliseum (Melbourne) in early 1873. He reportedly started out his career, however, with Frank Weston's Minstrels and then later as an assistant to a conjurerv (Corry, p.28). This would appear to be confirmed by his stature by that time, with his April appearance at the Coliseum declaring 'Return of Lance Lenton, favourite Ethiopian songs and dances. Great favourite' (Argus 1 April 1873, p.8).

Lenton's theatrical career saw him initially establish himself as a Negro and Dutch character comedian, before he discovered a talent for concocting smart topical verses. He subsequently turned his facile and inventive wit to writing numerous songs, sketches, burlesques and at least nine pantomimes. Among the artists to have had hits with his songs were F.M. Clark, Slade Murray, Alf Lawton and Clara Spencer, W. Horace Bent and Will Whitburn's (including his two biggest hits, 'The Larrikin Hop' and 'Woolloomooloo'). Lenton's sketches and burlesques were staged by such troupes as Hiscocks Federal Minstrels (notably All Black and Uncle Tom's Cabin Re-painted), the Cogill Brothers, Rose Clifford's Bohemian Musical Comedy Company and Slade Murray's Gaiety Burlesque Co. He was also in demand as a dramatic actor at times, appearing with Hiscocks and Haymen's Dramatic Co (New Zealand 1879) and Coppin, Hennings and Greville (1888) among other firms.

Although Lenton retired as a performer in the late 1880s to work as a journalist for Sydney's Evening News, he continued to write for the stage and occasionally appear at special events. He died after a fall at his home in Nithsdale Street in the Sydney central business district. He was survived by his wife and daughter, variety artist, Olive Lenton.

[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]

Most Referenced Works

Notes

  • Although the author of the localisations and topicalities inserted into the text of The Heathen Chinee (1876) pantomime has not been established, it is possible that Lenton was responsible for most, if not all, of these.


  • Entries connected with this record have been sourced from historical research into Australian-written music theatre and film conducted by Dr Clay Djubal.
Last amended 31 Jan 2014 12:49:42
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