Historical information

Alexander Wright was killed whilst performing at the Birmingham Empire as the result of a German air Attack in October 1940. The theatre had a direct hit. The stage name of Alex Wright was 'Navarre' "Prince of Mimics". According to Frank Wright Alex was a great impersonator with a unique range Bass - tenor with many accents (not unlike Peter Dawson)

"AUSTRALIAN KILLED
An Australian, Alexander Wright, radio variety star, who toured Europe and Australia under the pseudonym of Navarre, was killed during a recent air raid in a Midland . town. His broth-er, Frank Wright, is musical director for the London County council."(Border Morning Mail, 22 Oct 1940)


Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen.

Physical description

Sepia formal photograph of a seated man with two boys, one standing on either side of him. They are posed in front of a backdrop showing one side of a window and its curtain, panelling and a painting. The boys are dressed in shoes, socks, knee pants, vests with a chain, white shirts and a jacket. The man is similarly dressed although with long trousers.