PRESS UPDATE : THEATRE FULL STOP .. IN MEMORY : PETER CHARLESWORTH .. 1931 - 2024 ..

 

Peter Charlesworth : Theatrical agent dies at age 93..

Peter Charlesworth, the distinguished theatrical agent and producer, passed away peacefully at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, on July 8, 2024, at around noon, following a prolonged illness. He was 93 years old.

Born on April 3, 1931, in Fulham, London, Charlesworth leaves a remarkable legacy in the British arts scene. During his over 50-year career, he represented numerous household names in the entertainment industry, including Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Joan Collins, Petula Clark, Benny Hill, Frankie Howerd, Clive Dunn, Barbara Windsor, Anthony Newley and many more.

Charlesworth’s journey to success was marked by humble beginnings. Leaving school at the age of 15, he began his career as a pageboy at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London. He later worked at a showbiz restaurant in Soho, where he made significant contacts in the entertainment industry. This network led him to a role as a ‘record plugger’ and subsequently as a junior partner at Jock Jacobsen’s theatrical agency, where he worked with stars such as singer, comedian, and variety performer Max Bygraves.

In 1979, armed with valuable experience and connections, Charlesworth established his own agency in South Kensington. His agency quickly gained a global reputation for excellence and fierce advocacy on behalf of its clients. In 2016, Charlesworth retired, and the agency was rebranded as Sharry Clark Artists and continues to serve clients with distinction from offices in London and Wales.

Beyond his illustrious career in theatre and entertainment, Charlesworth was an expert and passionate collector of antique firearms and weaponry, becoming a renowned authority on Napoleonic-era history, art, and arms. He was also an avid jazz enthusiast.

A small memorial service for close friends and family will be announced in the coming weeks.

Peter Charlesworth’s contributions to the arts and his dedication to his clients have left an indelible mark on the industry. He will be remembered with great admiration and affection by those who knew and worked with him.

Peter leaves behind a powerful legacy having built up the Britsh entertainment industry, below is a list of well known stars he represented:

• Judy Garland (1922-1969) – Singer and actor, best known for her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.”
• Shirley Bassey (1937-) – Iconic Welsh singer, famous for recording the theme songs for three James Bond films.
• Joan Collins (1933-) – Actor and author, famous for her role as Alexis Carrington on the TV series “Dynasty.”
• Petula Clark (1932-) – Singer, actor, and composer, best known for her hit song “Downtown.”
• Benny Hill (1924-1992) – Comedian and actor, best known for “The Benny Hill Show.”
• Frankie Howerd (1917-1992) – Comedian and actor, known for his unique comedic style and roles in British television and film.
• Barbara Windsor (1937-2020) – Actor, famous for her roles in the “Carry On” films and as Peggy Mitchell in the soap opera “EastEnders.”
• Clive Dunn (1920-2012) – Actor, best known for his role as Corporal Jones in the sitcom “Dad’s Army.”
• Ron Moody (1924-2015) – Actor, best known for his role as Fagin in the musical “Oliver!”
• Lonnie Donegan (1931-2002) – Singer, songwriter, and musician, known as the “King of Skiffle” for his influential music.
• Lionel Blair (1928-2021) – Dancer, choreographer, and television presenter, known for his work on British TV variety shows.
• Frankie Vaughan (1928-1999) – Singer and actor, known for his hit songs and performances in musicals.
• Anthony Newley (1931-1999) – Singer, songwriter, and actor, known for his stage and screen performances and contributions to musicals.
• Britt Ekland (1942-) – Swedish actor, known for her roles in films such as “The Man with the Golden Gun” and “Get Carter.”
• Colin Welland (1934-2015) – Actor and screenwriter, won an Academy Award for writing “Chariots of Fire.”
• Kenneth Haigh (1931-2018) – Actor, noted for his role in the play “Look Back in Anger.”
• Robin Askwith (1950-) – Actor, known for his roles in the “Confessions” series of British sex comedies.
• Valerie Leon (1943-) – Actor, known for her roles in the “Carry On” films and James Bond movies.
• Des O’Connor (1932-2020) – Singer, comedian, and television presenter, known for hosting his own chat shows and variety shows.
• Jimmy Edwards (1920-1988) – Comedian and actor, known for his work on radio and television, especially in “Whack-O!”
• David Lodge (1921-2003) – Actor, appeared in numerous British films and television shows.
• James Ellis (1931-2014) – Actor, best known for his role in the TV series “Z-Cars.”
• Shani Wallis (1933-) – Actor and singer, best known for her role as Nancy in the musical film “Oliver!”
• Pat Roach (1937-2004) – Actor and professional wrestler, known for his roles in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana Jones” films.
• George Sewell (1924-2007) – Actor, known for his roles in British television series and films.
• Liz Frazer (1930-2018) – Actor, known for her roles in British comedies including the “Carry On” series.
• Katy Manning (1946-) – Actor, best known for her role as Jo Grant in the TV series “Doctor Who.”
• Frazer Hines (1944-) – Actor, best known for his role as Jamie McCrimmon in the TV series “Doctor Who.”
• Anita Harris (1942-) – Singer, actor, and entertainer, known for her work on stage and in television.
• Melvyn Hayes (1935-) – Actor, known for his role as Gunner “Gloria” Beaumont in the sitcom “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.”
• Amanda Barrie (1935-) – Actor, known for her roles in the “Carry On” films and as Alma Baldwin in the soap opera “Coronation Street.”
• Barry Howard (1937-2016) – Actor, known for his role as Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in the sitcom “Hi-de-Hi!”
• Lorraine Chase (1951-) – Model and actor, known for her appearances in British TV commercials and series.
• Aimee Macdonald (1942-) – Actor and comedian, known for her appearances on British television and radio.
• Avril Angers (1918-2005) – Actor and comedian, known for her work on stage and in film.
• Terrence Rigby (1937-2008) – Actor, known for his roles in British television and film, including “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”
• Denis Lotis (1925-2023) – Singer and actor, popular in the 1950s and 1960s for his performances on radio and television.
• Jimmy James (1892-1965) – Comedian and music hall performer, known for his influential work in British comedy.
• Jack Wild (1952-2006) – Actor, known for his role as the Artful Dodger in the musical film “Oliver!”
• Louise English (1962-) – Actor and singer, known for her appearances on “The Benny Hill Show.”
• Lyn Frederick (1954-1994) – Actor, known for her roles in British films of the 1970s.
• Hinge and Bracket (Patrick Fyffe (1942-2002) and George Logan (1944-2023)) – Comedy and music duo, known for their drag act as elderly women.
• Jess Conrad (1936-) – Singer and actor, known for his work in British pop music and film.
• Sheila White (1948-2018) – Actor, known for her roles in British television series and films.
• Sheila Bernette (1931-) – Actor and singer, known for her roles in British film and television.
• Fred Housego (1944-) – Former London taxi driver who won the BBC quiz show “Mastermind.”