Imagine a stage bathed in warm light. This very space once echoed with the passionate rehearsals of Dame Sybil Thorndike. This Sybil Thorndike Plaque commemorates a true icon of the British theatre.
Dame Sybil Thorndike was one of the most outstanding figures in British theatre. Her career spanned the first half of the 20th century. She made her professional debut in 1904. It marked the beginning of a six-decade stage journey. She toured America. She played 112 parts by 1907.
This Sybil Thorndike Plaque is located at 6 Carlyle Square. She lived here from 1921 to 1932. This was a period of great achievement for her and her husband Lewis Casson. They even managed the New Theatre. It was located on St Martin’s Lane. Sybil was appointed DBE in 1931.
Pause here for a moment and think. This drawing room was extended. It became Sybil’s rehearsal space. Most notably, she rehearsed for Saint Joan. She performed this role regularly from 1924 to 1941. George Bernard Shaw wrote Saint Joan specifically for her.
Sybil Thorndike married actor and director Lewis Casson in 1908. They worked with George Bernard Shaw. After four years at the Old Vic, she performed in Greek tragedies. She also starred in Grand Guignol melodramas. Then Shaw wrote Saint Joan for her in 1923.
Sybil’s dedication to her craft was remarkable. Lilian Baylis ran the Old Vic. She reacted unhappily when Sybil was late for rehearsal during a World War I air raid. Baylis exclaimed: “What’s an air raid when my curtain’s up!”
Thorndike was not a classic beauty. She had sharp features and prominent cheekbones. Her pronounced chin gave her a severe look. At 21, she and her brother began professionally. They worked in a touring company led by Ben Greet. In 1907, she performed as Portia in The Merchant of Venice. She was touring in New York. She met playwright George Bernard Shaw. She was understudying the role of Candida. The tour was directed by Shaw himself.
Sybil’s film career did not reach the heights of her theatre work. She appeared in silent films. These films recreated some of her finest theatrical experiences. They included Lady Macbeth and Joan of Arc.
Sybil and Lewis took a keen interest in politics. They supported the Popular Front government in Spain. This was during the Spanish Civil War. She joined others in establishing a committee. It aided homeless Spanish women and children. Both she and Lewis held strong leftist beliefs. They were active members of the Labour Party. During a trip to South Africa in 1928, they fought segregation. They wanted black theatergoers to experience their presentations.
In 1969, Sybil lent her name to the new theatre in Leatherhead, Surrey. It became The Thorndike. Despite being 87, she performed in the new play There Was An Old Woman. It was her final theatrical performance. She died of a heart attack on June 9, 1976. She was 93. Her ashes are buried in Westminster Abbey.
Considered one of the greatest actresses of the 20th century. Sybil Thorndike left an indelible mark on British theatre. This Sybil Thorndike Plaque serves as a reminder. It commemorates her talent, dedication and passion. It’s a testament to a life lived fully on and off the stage.