Duchess Theatre, London 1956

This authentic 1950s colour photograph provides a detailed view of the front-of-house displays at the Duchess Theatre on Catherine Street, London. Captured in 1956, the image highlights the large billing for “CRANKS,” a revolutionary “new-style revue” written and devised by John Cranko. The cast list prominently features Hugh Bryant, Anthony Newley, Annie Ross, and Gilbert Vernon, with sets designed by the celebrated artist John Piper. Press quotes on the boards describe the production as “Snappy, sophisticated, breaks all the rules” and “An intimate revue quite different from anything else in London”. The architectural details of the theatre, including the ornate metalwork of the canopy and the “DT” monogram on the glass entrance doors, provide a classic backdrop to this moment in West End history. This archival print is an essential record of mid-century avant-garde theatre, perfect for researchers, collectors, or as a unique gift to print for yourself.