Businesswoman. Mother of impresario Oswald Stoll. After the death of her first husband, she travelled from Australia to Britain with her son. She married again to John Stoll and eventually took over control of the Parthenon Music Hall in Liverpool. Here 14 year old Oswald learnt the trade. Mother and son went on to open other music halls, and Oswald became one of the most successful owners in the business. His crowning success was the building of the London Coliseum in 1904, where Adelaide would sit in the box office, and take the money.
The obituary in The Stage, 19 June 1924 reported that the 'lady of the pay-box' maintained her post throughout the war with only the thickest fog keeping her away. She also did her best to ensure that tickets were found for soldiers on leave. Her portrait, painted by Roland Harker was added to the Coliseum act-drop.
The Stage gives her date of death as the 17th. Later papers, reporting on the unveiling of the bust, give the 14th.
More information at Into the Limelight.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
