J.C. Williamson (Firm)

J.C. Williamson Ltd was for nearly a century the dominant theatrical agency in Australia, owning several theatres and bringing out to Australia a succession of notable actors, singers and dancers. It was founded by the actor-manager James C. Williamson (1845-1913) in 1882 and was finally bought out in 1984.

The theatrical organisation, J.C. Williamson Ltd., began in 1874 when the American actor/manager James Cassius Williamson (1845-1913) decided to remain in Australia after the success of his production Struck Oil at the Melbourne Theatre Royal. A partnership formed in 1882 lasted nine years and, in 1911, the organisation became J.C. Williamson Ltd.

J.C. Williamson Ltd was formed in 1911, a successor company to earlier theatrical groups with which James Cassius Williamson was associated. From 1911 to 1976 it was a major theatrical company; at times the largest theatrical organisation in the world. The company's theatres were sold, and the name leased, in 1976.

Business Records 1912-195- Restricted to 1991.