Claude Flemming

Claude Flemming (1884–1952) was an Australian actor, writer, producer, and director whose work in theatre and film extended across the first half of the twentieth century. Born in Camden, New South Wales, he built a career that encompassed Shakespeare, grand opera, musical comedy, and operetta, working across Australia, England, and the United States.

Flemming began his stage career in 1903 with George Rignold's Shakespeare company in Sydney. He subsequently traveled to England, where he performed on tour with Herbert Beerbohm Tree's Company and sang in grand opera at Covent Garden, appearing in productions of Die Meistersinger and The Angelus. His work in England also included Edwardian musical comedy and operetta in the West End, among them Fallen Fairies in 1909.

His Broadway career ran from 1906 to 1916, during which he appeared in several musical productions. He starred in Robinson Crusoe, Jr. and also took part in Two Is Company, Pretty Mrs. Smith, and The Merry Countess. During and after the First World War, Flemming toured Australia with the J. C. Williamson company, performing in musicals and operettas including The Chocolate Soldier, The Maid of the Mountains, A Southern Maid, The Firefly, The Cousin from Nowhere, Sybil, and Lilac Time.

Flemming also pursued a career in film, acting and directing in several silent productions in 1917 and 1918, among them Trilby, The Lure of the Bush, and £500 Reward, the latter of which he also produced and wrote. He later worked in America as a voice coach in Hollywood during the early sound era and served as a company director for Efftee Studios. In 1935 he directed the short film The Magic Shoes, which featured the first screen performance of Peter Finch. He additionally served as supervisor of productions at Sydney radio station 2CH.

Flemming's final stage work in Australia came with the Australian premiere of Annie Get Your Gun in Melbourne, in which he played Colonel Buffalo Bill. That production launched a three-year national tour lasting from 1947 to 1950.