A boy tenor originally from Tylorstown in the Rhondda is remembered in an exhibition at Treorchy Library this month.
Tommy Sandilands was discovered whilst working at the Piccadilly Hotel (Now Le Meridian) in London. Legend has it that he was washing dishes in the kitchen and singing when a hotel guest heard him. The guest became Tommy’s patron who encouraged him to go on stage.
Tommy made his professional debut at the prestigious Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square, where the Leicester Square Odeon now stands, on November 21, 1926. From there, he went on to play many London theatres, as well as touring right across the UK.
Billed as the ‘Boy Tenor’, Tommy was styled to look much younger then his years. Later in his career, he worked with some of the biggest acts of the variety theatre including the Crazy Gang.
After retiring, the singer became a warden at the London Museum where his wife also worked on the switchboard.
Treorchy Library is running a small exhibition about Tommy Sandilands from Wednesday November 3-Weds, November 17, 2010. At 2:00pm on November 3, original ‘zonophone’ recordings of some of his performances will be played.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “The Rhondda has produced a wealth of musical talent for generations. I hope people will come along to the exhibition and enjoy finding out more about Tommy Sandilands’ career.”
Membership of all Rhondda Cynon Taf’s libraries is free and everyone living or working within the county borough is welcome to join. Find out more by visiting www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/libraries
