“For someone who clearly loved the limelight, Alfred James seems to have been quite camera shy,” said Rhoda Murray who kindly supplied this story of her ancestor. The grainy, black and white photograph (see below) is all that Rhoda has been able to find.
Alfred was a colourful character, changing his name to James Allington Charsley and somewhat creative when applying his age to official documents. Born in Leicester in 1867, the fourth of Joseph and Lucy Charsley’s five sons, Alfred took to the stage performing a song and step-dance routine in pantomime aged 11-13. however on leaving school he worked in the boot making industry as did the rest of his family.
In 1892 Alfred briefly joined the London Metropolitan Police Force, but by the time of the 1901 census he was living in Northampton, once again working in the shoe and boot making industry, while continuing to pursue his theatrical career. By the time of his marriage to Emily Beatrice Wheeler in 1910, Alfred described his occupation as ‘Theatrical Manager.’
Alfred and Emily arrived in Swindon in 1934 when he took on the lease of the Playhouse Theatre in the Mechanics’ Institution.
He died on October 17, 1940 at Roundway Hospital, Devizes. His cause of death was recorded as broncho-pneumonia.
Emily took over the lease of the Playhouse and continued to live at the home she had shared with Alfred at 94 Croft Road. In April 1950 she married Arthur William Thraves and moved to Stratton St Margaret. She died in January 1962 and was buried with Alfred in grave plot C1750.
The Mechanics’ Institution Theatre c1931
Death of Mr J.A. Charsley
Swindon Playhouse Lessee
One of the best known personalities in the provincial theatrical world, Mr J. Allington Charsley, lessee of the Playhouse, Swindon, died last night after a short illness. He was 69 years of age.
Mr Charsley was taken seriously ill less than a fortnight ago.
A native of Staffordshire, Mr Charsley had been associated with the theatre from his early days, filling with distinction the roles of actor, producer and lessee. He was particularly interested in opera, and for many years toured the biggest company that has ever been assembled to play in provincial towns and cities. Many men and women, who have since gained world wide fame, were first brought to public notice as members of Mr Charsley’s companies.
He had a remarkable memory for names and dates, and would often recall how some of the stars-to-be were discovered in the back row of his choruses.
Mr Charsley has made a host of friends during his six years at the Playhouse, and in face of great difficulties has succeeded in bringing to his theatre – the only one in Wiltshire presenting flesh and blood shows – many of the best known variety and revue stars of the present day.
A fine sportsman, he was particular interested in racing and football, and his generosity, when approached to assist any deserving cause, was widely appreciated.
He leaves a widow, who is carrying on the Playhouse.
A brother of Mr Charsley, Mr, Chris Charsley, who is now living in retirement at Weston-super-Mare, was formerly Chief Constable of Coventry.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, 18 October, 1940.
Many thanks to family historian Rhoda Murray for providing the story of Alfred James Charsley – theatrical impresario.
Radnor Street Cemetery 