Beerbohm (cat)

One of the most famous ever theatre cats. Lived at the Gielgud Theatre in London (which was formerly known as the Globe). He first came to public attention during the 1978 Hinge and Bracket Review when he walked across the stage in the middle of a scene. He became renowned for this behavior and for his destruction of feathered hats and stuffed birds used as props. After his retirement he lived in Beckenham with the theatre's master carpenter Tony Ramsey. he died in 1995. He became the only cat to be honoured with a front-page obituary in The Stage. The actors Eddington and Penelope Keith were said to be big fans of Beerbohm. His obituary stated that he "overcame a near-fatal road accident in Soho and beat off a chocolate addiction".

Theatres traditionally had cats to keep down pests. Actors later came to see tham as good luck charms. He is said to have had the longest career of any modern-day theatre cat. Served from the 1970s until the early 1990s. Named for Herbert Beerbohm tree. Twenty year career. Died March 1995. Portrait hangs in the Gielgud theatre.

Born in the theatre.

Died age 20. His obituary included contributions by Beryl Reid, Penelope Keith, Paul Eddington and drag duo Hinge and Bracket. He was said to have had a girlfiend at the Lyric theatre who he would rush off to see frequently. His death was reported in most of the national newspapers. The Telegraph reported that "he never married".

Also wandered into dressing rooms.

Subject of a painting by Frances Broomfield.