The brother of English music hall star Edward 'Teddy' Lonnen, Victor Champion was born Victor Lonnen in 1864. Prior to arriving in Australia in 1908, he was well-known theatrical circles as both a composer and conductor. His final production in England prior to coming to Australa was The Student Prince, which had a very successful season at His Majesty's Theatre, London).
In 1908 Champion was engaged by Clarke, Meynell and Gunn to come to Australia to oversee the musical direction of his 1907 London pantomime Cinderella, and was accorded much acclaim for his work on the hit production of Miss Hook of Holland. He was associated with the company until it merged with J. C. Williamson's in 1911, and subsequently remained with 'the Firm' until his death.
In addition to being an accomplished conductor, Champion was a composer of much incidental music for pantomimes and other theatrical productions. On various occasions he also supplied lyrics for additional songs for musical comedy. Champion left behind his wife and a son.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
