As Sam Vagg (1827-65) he was a chimney sweep but as Sam Collins he was an "Irish" singer. In 1862 he took over the Lansdowne Arms, turned it into a music hall and renamed it after himself. Sam died young but 'Collins' survived. Rebuilt in 1897 it was wrecked by fire in 1958. Only a shell remained and in 1963 all but the front elevation was demolished.
The 1958 film 'Davy' is set largely in this theatre, and is, mainly, filmed at the actual location. See ArthurLloyd for details.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Collins Music Hall
Playwright and poet. Born in Westminster, possibly, and a committed Londoner, though also of proud Scottish descent. Imprisoned three times, once for his first play which was deemed to be "lewd, se...
Music hall singer and comedian. Born Arthur Rudd in London. In his day he was extremely popular and he toured throughout the world, but is now largely forgotten. His act was described as being 'qua...
Playwright. Born Dublin. Pupil at Harrow School 1762-8. Married Elizabeth Linley at St Marylebone Church in 1773. 1780-5 they lived in the grand house "The Grove" in Harrow, immediately north-east ...
English actor. Born into a theatrical family, she began acting as a child. She was the first to play the title role in J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan, beginning in 1904. Died Hamilton Road, Ealing.
The image shows the old theatre, the Charing Cross Road facade and bottom, the Leicester Square facade, now the Odeon cinema.
The quotation "Greater love ... his friends." is from the biblical book of John 15.13. But we cannot find any source for the quotation "O...
Naturalist. Born at 62 (the site of which is now number 271) High Street, Epping, Essex. He was the author of the first catalogue of British butterflies and moths, and named a number of new species...
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