James Agate English critic and essayist Date of Birth: 09.09.1877 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Theatre Criticism and Early Writing
3. War Service and Marriage
4. Return to Theatre Criticism
5. Later Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

James Agate was born in Pendleton, near Manchester, England, in 1877. His father, Charles James Agate, was a textiles merchant, and his mother, Elalie Julia (née Young), was a talented pianist educated in Paris and Heidelberg. Agate attended Giggleswick School and Manchester Grammar School, but did not pursue a university degree.

Theatre Criticism and Early Writing

Agate developed a passion for theater at a young age, influenced by his family's connections in the arts. He joined his father's business for seventeen years, but spent his spare time attending performances. In 1906, he wrote his first serious review for a Manchester newspaper and soon joined The Manchester Guardian as a junior critic.

Despite his junior status, Agate was not afraid to offer critical opinions, even of leading actors. His review of Herbert Beerbohm Tree's performance as Richard II earned a sharp response from Tree. Agate also wrote a play, "The After Years," which was met with mixed reviews.

War Service and Marriage

In 1915, Agate volunteered for the army and was sent to France. He wrote letters about his experiences that were published in "Lines of Communication." His proficiency in French and horsemanship led him to become a hay buyer, and his system for accounting for hay purchases was recognized by the War Office. In 1918, he married Sidonie Josephine Edmé Murray-Castijohn, the daughter of a wealthy landowner.

Return to Theatre Criticism

After the war, Agate resumed his career as a theater critic. He published a collection of essays, "Buzz, Buzz!," in 1918. In 1921, he joined The Saturday Review and later moved to The Sunday Times in 1923, where he remained for the rest of his career. He also served as the BBC's theater critic from 1925 to 1932.

Later Life and Legacy

Agate was one of the most influential theatre critics in Britain during the interwar period. He was known for his wit, ruthlessness, and insight. He published several books, including memoirs, essays, and diaries, that provided valuable insights into the British theatre scene of his time.

Agate died in 1947 and is considered one of the most significant figures in the history of British theater criticism.