c o n t i n u e d . . .

The late fifties brought a distinct chill to the theatrical climate. Badly affected by television, rising costs and strong competition from the Eastern States of Australia, Eric set off on his travels but this time in search of bright new product. By chance, he was invited to a cocktail party at the Soviet Embassy in London. Within hours of meeting the Soviet Ambassador, he received a visa to visit Moscow for discussions with the Soviet Ministry of Culture.

In those days, the Soviet Union was a country shrouded in mystery for most Australians, and it was a delighted Eric Edgley who returned to Australia to announce that some of the greatest theatrical attractions that he had ever seen existed in that vast land. The first of many detailed negotiations followed, and in 1962 the first group of 25 Soviet performers arrived in Perth for a history-making three month tour when the Moscow State Variety Theatre presented 25 Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet.
Michael Edgley and his family have continued the proud tradition started by his father. The happy working relationship established in the early 60's with the Russian authorities has been maintained. Since those small beginnings over 10,000 Russian performers have appeared under the Edgley banner, from Sydney to Hong Kong and from London to New York.

At the time of the first Russian visit, Michael had just joined the family company as assistant accountant. When Eric Edgley died in 1967, Michael at the age of 23 took over the Company. The next year, he presented his first show, a Moscow Circus tour which attracted an audience of 1.2 million. It was the capital and confidence resulting from this initial success which launched the young Michael Edgley into a career as Australia's most successful entertainment entrepreneur.

The Edgley's dominated the live entertainment business in Australia throughout the seventies. In 1973 Michael Edgley became a Member of the British Empire, an Imperial Honour bestowed in recognition ofhis services to the entertainment industry, (the youngest Australian ever to receive the award) and in 1976 he was named Western Australia's Citizen of the Year.

After successfully managing his company from Perth for many years, Michael moved to Sydney, in order to involve himself in Australia's fledgling film industry .His first film venture, "The Man From Snowy River", was a major success, grossing nearly $20 million in Australia, and more than $25 million in the United States. Other film projects include the highly successful "Phar Lap", as well as II An Indecent Obsession", "Burke and Wills" and "The Coolangatta Gold".

Today the Edgley group proudly present their wide range of theatrical and film projects throughout the world. The years have seen the "Michael Edgley Presents" logo on such renowned attractions as London's Royal Ballet, the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballet companies, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Marcel Marceau, Torvill and Dean, the Moscow Circus and many, many more.

Edgley has interests in the film industry , sporting teams and venue management and continually seeks out opportunities to expand its range of presentations and its network of countries.

Micheal Edgley Micheal Coad Phillip Corr Andrew Guild