Herman Darewski

Herman Darewski (17 April 1883 – 2 June 1947) was a British composer and conductor of theatrical music. His most successful work was perhaps The Better 'Ole, which ran for over 800 performances in its original London production in 1917. Some of his songs became very successful in musical revues.

Born in Minsk, and musically trained in Vienna, he worked in London, for the first 15 years of the new century as an in-house composer with Francis, Day and Hunter. By 1914 his songs were being used in musical revues.

After the war, he was unable to establish himself as a publisher and turned to conducting light music orchestras. By the mid-20s his established style of music was starting to sound increasingly outmoded. His last full show was staged in 1923. Following this he continued as a conductor in London and at English coastal resorts and had his own successful dance band for many years.