H. G. Pélissier

The banning of his 1909 satire of the patriotic play An Englishman's Home by Guy du Maurier was a major catalyst for the calling of the Parliamentary Enquiry into theatrical censorship of that year.

[1] Born at Elm House, Church End, in Finchley, Middlesex, he was the second son of Frédéric Antoine Pélissier (d. 1914), a French diamond merchant, and his English wife, Jennie, née Kean.

[6] In December 1906 Pelissier, becoming increasingly ambitious, opened in a season at a small theatre attached to the Midland Hotel, in Manchester, where they filled the house for six weeks.

Composed largely of pieces from their then programme at the Apollo, it arguably represents the first attempt at a record album and further illustrates Pélissier's innovative and adventurous approach.

[8] Seeking ever more extravagant stage effects, his last three 'Follies' seasons were unsuccessful; he died at his father-in-law's home, 1 Nevern Square, Earl's Court, London, on 25 September 1913, aged just 39, from cirrhosis of the liver, leaving an infant son, Anthony Pelissier, who became a successful producer and director in his own right.