‘Eve of the Eve’ Party hosted by The Players’ Theatre Club, Friday 30th December 2022

In the Limelight: Midge Gillies, Thursday 17th November 2022

Our final ‘In the Limelight’ talk of the year is next week, on Thursday 17th November at 7.30pm at the Water Rats. Midge Gillies will be talking about the history of Piccadilly Circus, the subject of her latest book which she describes as “a people’s history” of Piccadilly Circus. She will discuss how music hall performers helped to turn the world-famous junction into “the hub of the universe” and why one police officer described it as “the wickedest pavement in England”. Her illustrated talk will describe what went on at the London Pavilion and how its history marked the changing world of music hall. She will tell the story of the acts who performed at the subterranean night club, the Café de Paris and its tragic finale, as well as the big bands who performed at the GIs’ favourite, Rainbow Corner, and the more sedate Criterion. She will introduce you to performers such as the “Man/Doll” Phroso, invite you to take a cup of tea at the first Lyon’s Tea Shop and explain why Piccadilly Circus was the best place in the world to celebrate – whatever your class or means.

Many of you will be familiar with Midge from her 1999 biography of Marie Lloyd, The One and Only. Midge also spoke most eloquently about Marie’s life at our recent commemoration service. Tickets may be booked via Ticketsource and the booking link can be found here.

‘A Home for Max Miller’ documentary

Our friends at the Max Miller Appreciation Society have made a documentary in partnership with Latest TV, ‘A Home For Max Miller’.  This is scheduled to appear on Latest TV’s Freeview Channel 7 and also on Virgin Media Channel 159 on Saturdays in November at 6.00pm and is also going to be scheduled during December and on Christmas Day. 

It can also be streamed live at thelatest.co.uk by following the instructions on the panel.

Lissenden Players – November Music Hall Show

This month’s Music Hall Show by the Lissenden Players at the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institute
in Pond Square, Highgate is on WEDNESDAY 16th November 2022. Doors open 7.30 pm for 8 pm start. Admission £8 at the door.

In the cast: Orla Roberts,  Sheila Miller,  Sue Yager, Barbara Kealy and Martin Nail. With Pamela Mundy in the Chair and Derek Marcus at the piano.

More details about the Lissenden Players here

Don’t Forget the Pierrots: Seaside Follies on the Prom – free talk on Tuesday 13th December

As part of the Society for Theatre Research (STR) lecture series, Tony Liddington will be talking about pierrot troupes on Tuesday 13th December at 7.30pm.

The pierrot troupes grew from a single idea into a major international cultural industry, which boosted morale and national identity during the UK’s times of crisis. Tony Liddington will draw upon his 2022 book – “Don’t Forget The Pierrots!” The Complete History of British Pierrot Troupes & Concert Parties, which is the first scholarly exploration of this popular performance form and its heritage.

Further details can be found on the STR website here.