THE GREAT CARMO

a biography by Val Andrews

To someone who only knew of the Great Carmo as the originator of the Davenport exclusive The Carmo Bead Mystery this book was a fascinating eye-opener. Harry Cameron, Carmo, was a brilliant man of both the Theatre and of the Circus. He had a eye for the spectacular, was a master showman, and married the appeal of Magic and Wild Animals in a way today we associate with Siegfreid and Roy.

We learn that his show was lavish and his magic stunning. He is right up there with the great illusionists, and in many ways more theatrical.

This book not only explores his way of presenting magic, and how it differed from his contemporaries and those who were to follow, but also details the turbulent private life, the two marriages, and the wife who became La Petite Carmo. I found it a tale well worth telling and recommend it enthusiastically.

Chris Somerville

By John Alexander

"My routine often took me along the Edgware Road, so I stopped to watch the destruction several times. A workman saw me looking ...... "What was this place," he asked ............ I wasn't able to describe to him what a temple of joy and real entertainment it had been."

In the 76 pages of this fascinating volume John Alexander successfully and lovingly recaptures the atmosphere and recalls the stars who trod the boards of The Metropolitan Theatre, Edgware Road, during his years as Head Doorman. From the design and building of the theatre he takes us through its glory years and then, sadly to its final demolition and the last days of Variety.