Background
Ashmore was born in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, on 13 September 1915.
Ashmore was born in Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, on 13 September 1915.
In addition to writing his own plays, Ashmore also adapted and translated existing works, such as The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God and The Spoils of Poynton. Ashmore began his theatrical career as an actor. He made his first stage appearance at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1935.
He went on to serve as assistant stage manager for the Glyndebourne Opera Company and the Covent Garden Opera.
Ashmore directed his first production, Hassan, at the Midland Institute in 1937. After directing several plays from 1937 through 1974, Ashmore organized the Milton Tercentenary Festival.
In 1975, he became the honorary director of the Chiltern Festival.