Ivor Novello

(b Cardiff, 1893; d London, 1951).

Welsh composer, actor, playwright, and impresario, son of choral conductor Clara Novello‐Davies (1861–1943). Composer of Keep the Home Fires Burning (1914), one of the most popular songs during 1914–18 war. Wrote, comp., and acted in successful mus. comedies, e.g. Glamorous Night (1935); Careless Rapture (1936); Crest of the Wave (1937); The Dancing Years (1939); Arc de Triomphe (1943); Perchance to Dream (1945); and King's Rhapsody (1949). Most had lyrics by Christopher Hassall (1912–63). Acted in Shakespeare.