Kenneth Tynan

Kenneth Tynan
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Name	Kenneth Tynan
Birth date	April 2, 1927
Birth place	Birmingham, England
Death date	July 14, 1980
Death place	Santa Monica, California, United States
Occupation	Theatre critic, Journalist, Screenwriter
Nationality	British
Notableworks	Oh, Calcutta!, New Yorker

Kenneth Tynan was a renowned Theatre critic and Journalist known for his work with The Observer and The New Yorker. He was a prominent figure in the British theatre scene, often collaborating with notable playwrights such as Tom Stoppard and Harold Pinter. Tynan's writing also appeared in Vogue and The Sunday Times, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His contributions to the world of theatre were recognized by institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

● Early Life and Education

Kenneth Tynan was born in Birmingham, England, to a family of Jewish descent, and was educated at King Edward's School, Birmingham and Magdalen College, Oxford. During his time at University of Oxford, he was heavily influenced by the works of George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, which would later shape his writing style. Tynan's early life was also marked by his involvement with the Oxford University Dramatic Society, where he worked alongside fellow students like Derek Jacobi and Ian Richardson. His education and early experiences laid the foundation for his future career as a Theatre critic and Journalist, with publications like The Times and The Guardian taking notice of his work.

● Career

Tynan's career as a Theatre critic began with The Observer, where he worked under the editorship of David Astor. He later moved to The New Yorker, where his writing was published alongside that of notable authors like Dorothy Parker and James Thurber. Tynan's career was also marked by his collaborations with Noël Coward and Tennessee Williams, and he was a key figure in the development of the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre. His work with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company further solidified his position as a leading figure in British theatre. Tynan's writing was also featured in publications like The Spectator and Punch, showcasing his ability to write for a wide range of audiences.

● Works

Some of Tynan's most notable works include the Oh, Calcutta! revue, which was first performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and later transferred to the West End and Broadway. He also wrote for BBC Television and ITV, producing documentaries on subjects like Laurence Olivier and the Royal Ballet. Tynan's writing was often featured in publications like The Listener and Encounter, and he was a regular contributor to The Sunday Times and The Daily Telegraph. His work on Oh, Calcutta! led to collaborations with artists like John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and he was also involved in the production of films like Sleuth and Alfie.

● Personal Life

Tynan was married to Elaine Dundy, an American Novelist and Biographer, and the couple had a daughter, Tracy Tynan. He was known for his charismatic personality and was a popular figure in London's Theatre and Literary circles, often socializing with notable figures like Stephen Sondheim and Samuel Beckett. Tynan's personal life was also marked by his struggles with Cystic fibrosis, which he suffered from throughout his life. Despite his health issues, Tynan remained a prominent figure in the British theatre scene, attending events like the Laurence Olivier Awards and the Tony Awards.

● Legacy

Tynan's legacy as a Theatre critic and Journalist continues to be felt, with his writing remaining widely read and studied. He is often credited with helping to establish the careers of playwrights like Tom Stoppard and Harold Pinter, and his work with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company helped to shape the course of British theatre. Tynan's influence can also be seen in the work of later Theatre critics and Journalists, such as Michael Billington and Benedict Nightingale. His contributions to the world of theatre were recognized by institutions like the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Drama Desk Awards.

● Criticism and Controversy

Tynan's career was not without controversy, and he was often criticized for his outspoken views on Censorship and Obscenity. His involvement in the production of Oh, Calcutta! led to accusations of Pornography and Indecency, and he was summoned to appear before the Lord Chamberlain's Office to defend the show. Tynan's response to the criticism, as published in The Times and The Guardian, helped to fuel the debate about Censorship in the Theatre. Despite the controversy, Tynan remained a respected and influential figure in the world of Theatre and Journalism, with his work continuing to be celebrated by institutions like the Royal Court Theatre and the English Stage Company.