Ivor Novello was a Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. He was born into a musical family, and his first successes were as a songwriter.

His first big hit was “Keep the Home Fires Burning” (1914), which was enormously popular during the First World War. Novello wrote musicals in the style of operetta and often collaborated with lyricist Christopher Hassall. In the 1920s, he turned to acting, starring in silent films directed by Alfred Hitchcock, such as The Lodger.

He returned to Britain, where he had more successes, especially on stage, with productions like Glamorous Night (1935) and The Dancing Years (1939). Novello’s later works included Perchance to Dream (1945) and King’s Rhapsody (1949). The Ivor Novello Awards, established in 1955, honour his legacy, recognising outstanding contributions to British music and theatre. His life and work continue to inspire artists today.