Gertrude Lawrence As Mrs. A

Gertrude Lawrence As Mrs. A

Author: Richard Stoddard Aldrich
Publisher: Greystone Press
Edition: First Edition, 1954
Pages: 414

Gertrude Lawrence As Mrs. A by Richard Stoddard Aldrich is far more than a biography—it’s a deeply personal and nuanced tribute to one of the 20th century’s most dazzling theatrical talents. Published in 1954, just a year after her untimely death, this first edition spans 414 pages of insight, affection, and vivid storytelling.

Gertrude Lawrence was a commanding presence in British and American theatre, known for her radiant performances in plays and musicals by Noël Coward, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and George and Ira Gershwin. From her early struggles in London’s music halls to her triumphant Broadway success in The King and I, her career was nothing short of iconic. Yet behind the limelight was a woman of vulnerability, passion, wit, and courage—a side revealed in this memoir by the man who knew her best.

Aldrich, a theatre producer who married Lawrence in the later years of her life, offers an insider’s perspective into the world of show business and the vibrant personality of his wife. His narrative moves fluidly between the glitter of stage triumphs and the quieter, often poignant moments of personal life. He captures Lawrence’s dedication to her craft, her restless energy, her loves and losses, and the inner strength she summoned in the face of illness.

What distinguishes this biography is its tenderness and authenticity. It is filled with anecdotes, letters, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and candid reflections that draw a complex portrait of a woman who was larger than life, yet deeply human. The book also offers an engaging backdrop of theatrical history, populated with luminaries like Coward, Yul Brynner, and other stage legends of the era.

For theatre lovers, historians, and readers drawn to stories of remarkable women, Gertrude Lawrence As Mrs. A is an indispensable addition. It not only chronicles the career of a luminous actress but also immortalizes the enduring love and admiration of a husband who remained in awe of the woman she was—both on stage and at home.

• First edition biography of British stage legend Gertrude Lawrence.

• Written by her husband, Richard Stoddard Aldrich, a respected theatre producer.

• Offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Broadway and West End theatre.

• Covers her most iconic roles, including Private Lives and The King and I.

• A moving account of Lawrence’s charm, complexity, and career brilliance.

• Blends theatrical history with intimate personal reflections.

• Includes letters, anecdotes, and encounters with major figures in theatre.

• A deeply personal tribute to a beloved star who left an indelible mark on the stage.