Beyond wistful nostalgia, discover the true, innovative genius of Ivor Novello with acclaimed cultural historian John Snelson.

The Arts Society Henley welcomes acclaimed cultural historian and musicologist Dr John Snelson for a captivating exploration into the life, art, and enduring legacy of a British entertainment icon. To many, the name Ivor Novello evokes a bygone era of wistful nostalgia and elegant, sweeping melodies. He is widely remembered as the master of the romantic waltz song—most famously encapsulated by his 1945 wartime anthem, "We'll Gather Lilacs." Yet, as Dr Snelson will reveal, limiting Novello’s legacy to "Dear Ivor" misses the true scope of his remarkable artistic impact. Novello’s career was extraordinary by any measure: he was a prolific composer, a brilliant playwright, an international film idol, and a glittering stage star.

Attendees: TASH Members & their Guests Only.  Arrive early to enjoy drinks, lunch and great company.

Timings: This Talk will ONLY be presented in the Afternoon @ 13:45.  The morning (AM) session comprises the Annual General Meeting and a different Talk by the same speaker. 

Silent Film Idol to Musical Superstar

This lecture goes far beyond the nostalgia to examine Novello as an instinctive, highly innovative force who fundamentally shaped the landscape of British theatre and early cinema. To fully appreciate Novello’s real genius, one must look to the sheer versatility of his creative output. Decades before the concept of the modern "giga-hit" musical existed, Novello was single-handedly writing, composing, and starring in massive, spectacular productions at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Landmark shows like Glamorous Night (1935) and The Dancing Years (1939) did not just feature soaring melodies; they were innovative, complex theatrical triumphs that saved the historic theatre from financial ruin and gave a worried nation hope during the dark days of the Second World War.

His impact reached far beyond the West End stage. Long before he became the darling of British musical theatre, Novello was a bona fide silent film idol. His striking, classical features captured the public's imagination, most notably when he starred as the mysterious protagonist in Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense masterpiece, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927). This seminal role proved that Novello possessed a rare, magnetic acting individuality that translated perfectly to the silver screen. From composing the iconic World War I marching song "Keep the Home Fires Burning" at just twenty-one years old, to penning witty, sophisticated drawing-room comedies like Fresh Fields, Novello consistently proved that his artistic instincts were sharp, diverse, and ahead of their time.

About the Speaker: Dr John Snelson

Our guest speaker brings a wealth of expertise and a passionate, engaging delivery style to the society. Having spent twenty years working at the Royal Opera House, Dr Snelson is currently an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, and is widely recognized as a leading authority on British musical theater.

He holds a PhD on the lyrical stage and has published extensively, including his highly regarded book Reviewing the Situation: the British Musical from Noël Coward to Lionel Bart (Bloomsbury, 2023) and his volume on Andrew Lloyd Webber (Yale University Press). Known across the Arts Society network for his vibrant, data-rich presentations, Dr Snelson frequently incorporates live keyboard demonstrations to bring musical structures to life. As reports from fellow societies highlight, his lectures are celebrated for showing that the performing arts are never just about what happens on stage - they offer a profound window into the cultural history of their time.