Garnet Hannell CARROLL. OBE, was born on 4th December, 1902, in Singleton. He was the eldest son of Roger Bede CARROLL, Dentist, and Mildred Lorne (Millie) SMITH.
They lived at Millie's grandfather's house,' Kalarah House' in Singleton.
The other siblings were, in age order: Roger Bruce - 1904, Astrutha Pearl - 1905, Jean Mildred -1906, Norma Myee - 1908, Constance Sabina - 1910, Noreen Mary - 1913, and Hilton Weston - 1914.
Roger Bede CARROLL
Mildred Lorne (Millie) CARROLL - (neé SMITH)
Garnet was expected to follow his father into the Dentistry profession, but instead, hastily departed for Newcastle. Surviving on odd jobs as a labourer, he finally managed to gain a part in the local musical theatre, together with his brother, Roger. Eventually, Roger snr. relented and the family moved to West Maitland, in 1921. By 1926, Garnet had a role in Lionel Walsh's country tour of 'No, No, Nanette'.
This was the 'start' for Garnet, and he never really looked back. After some experience, and in faith of their friendship, Sir Benjamin Fuller introduced Garnet to management, via his St. James' Theatre, in Auckland, N.Z. While there, Garnet met, and married, one of Fuller's leading ladies - Catherine Stewart ELLIOTT, a.k.a 'Kitty'. Kitty was born in Balmain, Sydney, on the 26th February, 1926.
Garnet and Kitty had one son, John Garnet Hannell CARROLL, b. 1934.
Catherine Stewart CARROLL, (neé ELLIOTT) - "Kitty"
John Garnet Hannell CARROLL and his father, Garnet Hannell CARROLL
My Grandmother Pauline SUKER, with Kitty, Garnet and John CARROLL - Melbourne c. 1946
There were many famous liaisons for Garnet, during his career. Having acquired the 'Princess Theatre' in Melbourne, He was able to stage many productions which included names, such as, Sir Ralph RICHARDSON, Googie WITHERS and John McCALLUM, and Basil Rathbone.
Basil RATHBONE, John CARROLL and Garnet CARROLL. c. 1955
His finest production, however, was for Queen Elizabeth II, when she toured in 1954.
H.M. Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, 1954
Garnet was appointed OBE - Officer Class, in 1949, and died on 23rd August, 1964. He bequeathed a large portion of his estate to the Monash University, to establish the Garnet H. Carroll Prize to encourage 'Artistry in Musical Theatre'.
Kitty and John remained in the South Yarra home. Kitty passed away in 1987, and John, recently. They are survived by John's children.
See also: Garnet H. CARROLL
See also: Garnet H. CARROLL Management - National Library of Australia
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