Sprague and Thomas Verity, were together responsible for the majority – certainly more than 200 – of the theatres and variety palaces of the great building boom which took place in Britain between 1885 and 1915, peaking at the turn of the century.
Crewe trained in Paris and London, where, as a young man, he was a frequent visitor to Frank Matcham's home.
His work around the turn of the century was marked by horizontal balconies tied to ranges of stage boxes and elaborate ornamental features.
Crewe's last project, jointly with Henry G. Kay was the Regal, Kennington Road (opened 17 November 1937) by the Arthur O'Connor circuit.
A now rare example of Edwardian theatre, it was successful in bidding for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.