Meredith

Discovered in the family trunk called the Klondike Box this autobiography tells the life story of Fred Kitchen. Frederick Thomas Kitchen was born in the shadow of Big Ben in 1873 into a theatrical family. He was only six weeks old when he made his first appearance on the stage. This was the beginning of a lifetime on the boards. Like a time capsule this autobiography provides eye witness account of theatrical and everyday life in London, the Provinces, and France in the latter half of the 19th century - told by someone who was at the epicentre of the Music Hall and Pantomime at a time when it was at its zenith. His reminiscences include his work in the Music Hall and Pantomime with greats like Charles Lauri and Dan Leno. The new century begins with a ten year association with Fred Karno. To those who knew him Fred Kitchen was a larger than life character generous in thought and deed. Through this book we get a chance to get to know him.