Kendrew Lascelles, a celebrated figure in the theatrical world, came into this world in the charming town of Gatley, located in the picturesque county of Chester, England. His early life was characterized by a series of relocations to the distant land of South Africa, where his family ultimately made their home.
Kendrew's transition into the world of theatre was a fortuitous and unforeseen occurrence, one that would ultimately set the stage for a lifelong career in the performing arts. It was the year 1953 when fate intervened, presenting him with an unexpected opportunity to assume the role of Principal Dancer for an Italian opera touring company. This unexpected turn of events was precipitated by the misfortune of the company's lead dancer, who unfortunately suffered a broken ankle, leaving a vacancy that Kendrew was more than happy to fill.
As Principal Dancer, Kendrew's talents and dedication to the craft were given the opportunity to shine, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. This chance encounter would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life, setting him on a path that would take him to the forefront of the theatre world.
Eleven years after his initial appearance on the theatrical scene, a sudden and unforeseen circumstance arose at the Intimate Theatre in Durban, where a talented actress suffered a serious ankle injury, thereby compromising the production and threatening to leave the entire show in darkness.
In response to this unexpected turn of events, Leon Gluckman, the theatre's producer and director, turned to Kendrew, the renowned playwright, and entrusted him with the task of crafting a substitute piece to salvage the production and prevent its premature conclusion.
This serendipitous opportunity gave rise to the creation of "Wait a Minim", a theatrical sensation that would go on to captivate audiences worldwide, embarking on a remarkable seven-year journey that included extended stays at the prestigious Fortune Theatre in London and the esteemed John Golden Theatre on Broadway, with each of these stints lasting a remarkable two years.
Noted director and producer, Gluckman, played a pivotal role in the creation of an anti-apartheid revue, which boasted an impressive ensemble cast that actively contributed to its conceptualization and development.
Following the successful "Minim" tour, Kendrew relocated to California, where he dedicated himself to honing his skills as a writer and performer. His newfound fame and widespread popularity, courtesy of the critically acclaimed "Minim", subsequently led to a plethora of coveted guest appearances on prominent television talk shows.
Kendrew's exceptional talent and skill in crafting comedic scripts caught the attention of the renowned Smothers' Brothers, who subsequently extended an invitation for him to join their team as a staff writer for their Summer Season.
Notable examples of his remarkable creative output include the captivating sketch "The Midnight Cat Burglar", which boasts an impressive ensemble cast comprising the illustrious Peter Sellers, the talented Julius "Nipsy" Russell, and the charismatic Dean Martin.
At this point in his illustrious career, Kendrew had firmly solidified his reputation as a successful playwright and poet, yet he continued to make memorable cameo appearances and bring his own unique characters to life on stage, showcasing his impressive range as a performer.
As of mid-2015, Kendrew's current residential location is situated just outside the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, where he remains actively engaged in his writing pursuits. Throughout his illustrious career, Kendrew has accumulated an impressive portfolio of creative works, comprising approximately four original musicals, six stage plays, eight screenplays, five novels, and an assortment of poems and lyrics. Notably, certain of his literary creations have been brought to life through the talents of renowned artists, including the legendary John Denver, the esteemed actor Jack Lemmon, the celebrated entertainer Peter Lawford, and the iconic band Chicago, whose recordings of his work have contributed to his enduring legacy.
