ARTWORK INSTALLATION & EVELYN DOVE PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT @ EPSOM PLAYHOUSE
Posted by Kat Heath on 26 Jan 2025
During January two new murals were completed at Epsom Playhouse. The murals are part of a series of vibrant public art installations across the borough.
Championing the 40-year history of Epsom Playhouse, the large-scale mural in the theatre’s foyer showcases the variety and breadth of creative people who have contributed to the fabric of Epsom Playhouse’s history over the last four decades
As well as the breathtaking mural in the foyer there is a second mural in the downstairs bar and a photographic exhibition which celebrates the internationally renowned British Jazz singer/actress and former Epsom resident Evelyn Dove. (1902-1987)
Which is a must see!
Championing the roaring 1920s and the Art Deco period, the large-scale installation reflects the era that Dove was at the peak of her performing career.
WHO IS EVELYN DOVE?
Evelyn Dove was the first woman of African heritage to be broadcast on BBC radio back in 1925!
Evelyn Dove was born in London in 1902. Her father; Frans Dove, a barrister from Sierra Leone and her mother, Augusta Dove from Hailsham in Sussex realised Evelyn’s talent from an early age.
Evelyn later accepted a place at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music where she trained as an opera singer, however as a woman of mixed race during the 1920s she sadly faced prejudice that made it near impossible to enter the classical music scene.
Evelyn didn’t let the ignorant attitudes of the time stop her dreams coming true so she then turned to performing Jazz and Cabaret style music. In 1921, aged 19 Evelyn joined the Southern Syncopated Orchestra which was comprised of mainly Caribbean, West African and Afro American musicians.
Evelyn Dove was the first woman of African heritage to be broadcast on BBC radio in 1925 and by 1939 through international success performing within the jazz circuit, Evelyn was given her own music show on BBC radio. The show was called ‘Sweet and Lovely’ making Evelyn the first female broadcaster of African heritage to be featured on BBC Radio. Shortly after through huge demand she was given another show; ‘Rhapsody In Black’ which she co hosted with singer Elizabeth Welch.
Evelyn was employed by the BBC throughout the Second World War due to her measurable popularity amongst listeners.
Her successful slot ‘Serenade in Sepia’ which she co presented with Trinidadian singer Edric Connor, led to her presenting the TV programme ‘Variety In Sepia’ which was the BBCs first ever TV programme dedicated to showcasing black talent.
This proved Evelyn to be a trailblazer amongst her musical peers, paving the way for other black musicians and artists to be seen, heard and appreciated.
After leaving the BBC, Evelyn worked in cabaret throughout India, Paris and Spain before returning to the UK where she struggled to find work.
However, during the 1950s, Evelyn turned to acting after she received a call from the BBC to star as Eartha Kitt’s mother in the TV drama; Mrs Patterson. This shift in careers led to other TV and West End Theatre roles.
However it was evident she was beginning to feel lost and started showing signs of depression.
According to her fellow West End Cast member, Isabelle Lucas:
“We became friends, but Evelyn’s life took a bad turn. Her reputation as a singer faded, and she became very ill.
She lost contact with her family. Her spirit was broken.”
Subsequently this led to Evelyn becoming a long term resident at Epsom’s former Horton Hospital (which closed in 1997) where in 1987 she passed away (aged 85) of Pneumonia.
The stunning exhibition of photographs really depict Evelyn in her heyday and the era of the 1930s and 1940s.
OTHER MURAL IN THE EPSOM AND EWELL AREA
Both murals have been fully funded via the Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund. The refurbishment of Epsom Playhouse also supports Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s new Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy which outlines its commitment to nurturing creative talent
Positive Arts and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have also worked alongside various community groups, to create the following murals:
- Upper High Street, Epsom – with GLF Schools
- Alleyway behind Epsom Square – with Members of Girlguiding Epsom Division
- Between Miles Road and Stones Road, Epsom – with GLF Schools
- Near Clandon Close, Stoneleigh – with We Power On
For more information on the exhibition or future shows at Epsom Playhouse visit: https://www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk or telephone: 01372 742555
Find Epsom Playhouse @
Ashley Avenue
Epsom
KT18 5AL
Kat xx
