Secrets of a Showman

Sir Charles Blake Cochran (25 September 1872 – 31 January 1951), generally known as C. B. Cochran, was an English theatrical manager and impresario. He produced some of the most successful musical revues, musicals and plays of the 1920s and 1930s, becoming associated with Noël Coward and his works. After beginning his career as an actor in America about 1890, Cochran became a manager and press agent for vaudeville, legitimate theatre and other entertainments. He returned to England by 1902 producing theatre, variety shows and revues. By the end of the First World War, he was producing shows at the Oxford Music Hall, including the surprise hit The Better 'Ole. In addition to producing several Noël Coward works, Cochran introduced or promoted such stars as Coward, Beatrice Lillie, Gertrude Lawrence, Jessie Matthews, Yvonne Printemps, Lizbeth Webb and Effie Atherton. He also produced the Ballets Russes and, for 12 years, managed the Royal Albert Hall.