Launch of 'Naturally Insane' The Life of Dan Leno

The launch of NATURALLY INSANE! THE LIFE OF DAN LENO, a new play by Blackpool based writer David Slattery-Christy featured Blackpool’s own panto star Steve Royle. For more on David Slattery-Christy, please see our other post here.

Victorian superstar Dan Leno, a comedic genius from the English music hall scene, delighted audiences with his lively and quirky performances during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his clever jokes and energetic style, Leno became a beloved entertainer in his time and left a legacy that continues to this day; especially his influence with physical comedy, making him a lasting icon in theatre history. He appeared at the Pavilion Theatre and the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

The Grand Theatre is where the playwright David Slattery-Christy first saw Steve Royle performing in Cinderella which inspired him to write Naturally Insane! especially for him. “As soon as Royle appeared on stage as Buttons,” recalled David Slattery-Christy, “all I could think of was Dan Leno! I never thought I would find anyone to play him, so I went home and started to write…” Steve Royle also possesses that unique gift of physical comedy and timing, and is a brilliant actor – indeed, Roy Hudd OBE on seeing the play said:

“A play that captures the heart and soul and genius of our greatest Victorian comedian, Dan Leno. His triumphs, his sorrows, his unfulfilled dreams and fulfilled disasters. It is beautifully cast and played, very moving and, best of all, it is very funny. Steve Royle as Leno is a revelation – a master comic playing a master comic.”

The play premiered at Lytham Festival, the following year as part of Lytham Hall’s open-air theatre season, where Peter Kay came to a performance and said:

“Steve Royle has funny bones and this unique, heartfelt production allows us to see both Steve’s magnificent talent and Dan Leno’s…”
The play then went on a UK tour including Stratford Upon Avon and Eastbourne, although Blackpool’s Grand Theatre refused to support the play, a puzzling disappointment for the playwright, but in spite of this it finally had showcase performances at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End. One reviewer wrote:

“There is comedy and there is tragedy but in drama when the two melt together like twilight into evening you know you are witnessing something very special…”

Blackpool’s Robin Duke declared that Royle had pulled of “An award worthy performance…a must see!”

Dan Leno was well-known for his work in Victorian music halls and at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. His physical comedy and funny remarks made people laugh hard, with audiences sometimes laughing uncontrollably for minutes after he appeared on stage, even if he didn’t speak. He inspired many famous comedians, like Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel. His style also influenced comedians like Norman Evans, Les Dawson, and even Peter Kay today. Leno’s comedy often featured real people like shopworkers and roofers, which resonated with his audiences. Leno’s influence on pantomime is still alive today as a lot of pranks and business he developed is still used by dames and comics during panto season.

West End Cast (Original cast in brackets) :

Dan Leno – Steve Royle

Lydia Leno – Nicole Violet

Henry Galvin – Neil Rowland (Jordan Kennedy)

Nurse Kelly – Janet Maher (Louise Steggals)

Doctor Savage – Phil Walker (Andy Cooke)

Herbert Beerbohm Tree – John Thomson (Tom Lister)

Directed by David Slattery-Christy with Music Hall Direction by Debbie Flitcroft. Choreography by Debra Smyth. Set Design by Graham Greenwood.