Geraldine Lamb (1897-1967)
Born Alice Maud, she changed her name to Geraldine to sound ‘grander’ when setting up her Dance School in 1918, at the young age of 21, with a single pupil. It was a remarkable feat, showing both ambition and business acumen. From small beginnings in the front room of the family home on Lambhay Hill, her dance school it has become one of the most familiar and well-loved resources in Plymouth and is now headed by her grand-daughter. After her marriage in 1926 to Edwin Tout (a sailor, working for the White Star Line) she continued the school, moving to 28 Cobourg Street in the 1930s, and then to 12 Connaught Avenue. During World War II, she organised over 380 ENSA shows for the troops, while continuing the school’s lessons. From early on, Geraldine set the culture for the school, which has always encouraged both talent and a love of dance for its own sake, but also using its pupils and the shows they put on as a way of contributing to the local community. Her pupils participated in carnivals and pageants, and to local pantomimes. She established the tradition of putting on shows, at the Alhambra Theatre in Devonport initially, to raise funds for local charities. A prominent local businesswoman, she made a remarkable contribution to local culture in Plymouth.