TOP OF THE BILL. Multi-Signed including Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope & Bing Crosby

TOP OF THE BILL. The Story of the London Palladium by Ian Bevan.

Published in London by Frederick Muller in 1952. First Edition.

A remarkable copy of this history of the UK's most famous variety theatre. Likely one of several purchased by the Palladium at the time of publication and rebound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe with several blank signing sheets at each end of the book. Presumably intended as keepsakes, gifts or presentation copies for staff and distinguished visitors. 

This particular copy has been presented to a former Stage Door Keeper upon his retirement in 1974 and at the first blank leaf is inscribed to him by name by two of his colleagues. The second of these reads, Dear George - Here follows a few memories - long may you enjoy them!". 

Four of the following few leaves are either wholly or partially signed by a variety of international performers and personalities associated directly with the theatre. Principle amongst the latter is the autograph of impresario and Palladium managing director, Val Parnell. It was Parnell's television show,  "Val Parnell's Sunday Night at the London Palladium" which launched the Beatles to national stardom following their appearance on the show.

Amongst the British performers to have signed the book can be counted Palladium stalwarts Pat Kirkwood, Gracie Fields, and Eddie Knox & Charles Naughton from "The Crazy Gang".

Actors and Comedians Terry Thomas, Alfred Marks, Michael Bentine (The Goon Show founding member) and Jerry Desmonde are present while the world of music is represented by band leader and impresario Jack Hylton and Welsh singer Donald Peers.

Danish actor/singer Carl Brisson features as does the performer known as "the father of modern ventriloquism", Fred Russell - also the father of Val Parnell as it happens.

From across the Atlantic, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have added their signatures as have Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. These last two are rarely seen together - to have all four autographs in the same book is next to miraculous.

Betty Hutton has signed the book as has influential singer/songwriter, Johnnie Ray. From further afield, the internationally renowned mentalist double-act, The Piddingtons, have added their signatures to the book. To this day, Sydney and Lesley Piddington are considered to be one of the greatest two-person telepathy acts of all time and were an absolute sensation - particularly in the UK - in their day.

The book itself has been signed by the author at the title page. Bound in 3/4 green morocco gilt with raised bands at the spine, top edge gilt, pp. 254, illustrated with black and white photographs. Sunned at the backstrip and split at the joints at both the lower and upper compartments. Minor stains to the marbling at both covers. Some scarring to the top-edge gilt. Corners rubbed a little with small loss of leather. The text-block has tanned with age and there are occasional spots in some margins. It is likely that the book has not been particularly well stored over the entirety of the intervening years, with some traces of damp-staining noticeable at the bottom edge - not affecting the text or autographs. Firmly bound still and in VG condition overall or very near it.

As an item of Variety or West End Theatre memorabilia there can be few more pleasing and delightful items currently available. The inclusion of Laurel & Hardy's autographs - very rarely found in a published book - adds particular poignancy given that the signing must have taken place during their farewell tour of the UK's theatres in 1952.  An exceptional collection and book.