Harold Brighouse

Harold Brighouse Biography

Harold Brighouse (26 July 1882 – 25 July 1958) was an English playwright and author, renowned for his significant contributions to early 20th-century British theatre. Born in Eccles, Lancashire, he was the eldest child of John Southworth Brighouse, a manager in the cotton industry, and Charlotte Amelia Harrison, a headmistress. Brighouse attended local schools and earned a scholarship to Manchester Grammar School. At 17, he left academia to work as a textile buyer for a shipping merchant.

In 1902, Brighouse moved to London to establish an office for his company. During this period, he met Emily Lynes, whom he married in 1907 in Leamington Spa. The couple returned to Manchester, and by 1908, Brighouse had transitioned to a full-time writing career.

Brighouse was a prominent member of the 'Manchester School' of dramatists, a group supported by theatre proprietor Annie Horniman, which included playwrights like Allan Monkhouse and Stanley Houghton. His first produced play, The Doorway, premiered in 1909 at Horniman's Gaiety Theatre in Manchester. He gained widespread acclaim with Hobson's Choice, a comedy exploring themes of gender and social class, which debuted in New York in 1915 and in London in 1916, running for 246 performances.

Throughout his career, Brighouse wrote numerous one-act plays, with notable works such as The Northerners, Zack, and The Game compiled in the 1920 publication Three Lancashire Plays. He also authored novels, including Hepplestalls, which delves into the life of a Lancashire mill-owning family in the 19th century. His autobiography, What I Have Had, was published in 1953.

During World War I, Brighouse served in the Royal Air Force's Intelligence Staff. In 1919, he relocated to Hampstead, London, where he continued his literary pursuits. On 25 July 1958, Brighouse collapsed in the Strand and passed away the following day in Charing Cross Hospital.

Trivia About Harold Brighouse

• Brighouse was a key figure in the 'Manchester School' of dramatists, which played a pivotal role in the development of British theatre in the early 20th century.
• Hobson's Choice has been adapted into several films, including a 1954 version directed by David Lean.
• Despite his success as a playwright, Brighouse also contributed articles and reviews to the Manchester Guardian.
• He ceased writing full-length plays after 1931, focusing instead on other literary forms.

Famous Quotes by Harold Brighouse

• "Life is full of its disappointments, and I suppose the art of living is to disguise them as illusions."
• "A man dreams that one day he will own the world, but the world owns him."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Harold Brighouse?

Harold Brighouse was an English playwright and author, best known for his play Hobson's Choice and as a leading figure in the 'Manchester School' of dramatists.

What is 'Hobson's Choice' about?

Hobson's Choice is a comedy set in 1880s Salford, focusing on the dynamics of the Hobson family and addressing themes of gender roles and social class.

What contributions did Brighouse make to British theatre?

Brighouse significantly influenced British theatre through his realistic portrayals of Northern English life, contributing to the development of regional drama in the early 20th century.

Related Literary Movements

Harold Brighouse was associated with the 'Manchester School' of dramatists, a movement that emphasized realistic depictions of working-class life in Northern England. This group was instrumental in the rise of regional theatre in Britain.

Explore more about Harold Brighouse on eBookTakeAway