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.
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.
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.
Join us to celebrate the life of the internationally-renowned actor/comic/impressionist & opera singer, Joan Turner. Actor/Author/Comic/Singer David Benson hosts a deliberately-excessive celebration of La Turner’s ‘best bits’ covering the six decades, during which she developed and shared her unique talent with fans – who, loyally, stayed with her through thick and thin.
Tickets for the 7:30pm performance on Tuesday 1 November 2022 at The Water Rats, 328 Grays Inn Road, King’s Cross, London, WC1X 8BZ are available from Ticketsource here
Singer-storyteller Matthew Crampton (and BMHs member) has a new show called Have a Banana! It’s a fun evening which asks the big questions: Why are some old songs, especially music hall classics, still potent today? Why do humans crave singalong? And what is it about bananas?
But mostly it’s a show of bad jokes and lots of singalong. Come sing chorus medleys from the music hall, gospel and World War One. Enjoy in full some classics such as The Man on the Flying Trapeze and With Her ‘Ead Tucked Underneath Her Arm plus little-known treats such as Strolling Down the Strand.
Woven through the singalong are fascinating facts. Back in 1910, for example, there were three million pianos in Britain, one for every 15 people, so Saturday night saw singing down every street. Plus big questions: How do you create a comic song? Is syncopation the enemy of singalong?
NOTTINGHAM, Poppy & Pint, Pierrepont Road, West Bridgford, NG5 5DX
Our friends at the Derby and Nottingham Music Hall Association are hosting a Zoom talk on Thursday 27th October 2022 at 7.30pm and BMHS members are invited to join the talk.
‘Youth Takes A Bow’ – The legendary 1939 stage show and an in depth tribute to one remarkable lady, Nottingham’s very own MARY NAYLOR – TOB star on Radio & TV, in Revue, & Variety. A Lady Ratling, now living in California where Mary Naylor – Kodell is celebrating her 96th year(and who will be joining the Zoom talk).
Please contact Trevor Lee for the link if you would like to join the Zoom. Email: trevorlee572@gmail.com
Visit the beautiful Hoxton Hall for tours, talks and performances at their forthcoming open days. See the flyer below for details or check Hoxton Hall’s website here
The British Music Hall Society will be commemorating and celebrating the life of Marie Lloyd, Queen of Comedy on 7th October 2022, 100 years to the day since she took her final curtain and in the same church where her funeral was held.
Marie Lloyd was a titan of the Victorian Music Hall and at one point was paid more than any other performer in the country. Originally from Hoxton, she never forgot her roots and was extremely generous to those less fortunate than herself.
So popular was she that when she died almost 100,000 people from all walks of life lined the streets to bid her farewell; it was believed that it was the biggest funeral London had seen since the death of Wellington.
The memorial service will involve participants from the worlds of showbusiness and academia who have one thing in common – a love and respect for the greatest Music Hall star of her generation. Some of Ms Lloyd’s descendants will also be in attendance. Parts of the original funeral service will be augmented (of course) with a few music hall songs.
Date: Friday 7th October Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: St Luke’s Church, Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead NW3 7SU
Miss Marie Lloyd/British Music Hall Society Archive
Notes to editors:
The British Music Hall Society, a registered charity, was founded in 1963 to remember and celebrate Music Hall & Variety. The Society presents events, shows, talks, publishes the quarterly journal The Call Boy and has an extensive archive.
The British Music Hall Society Twitter handle is: @musichallsoc
This month’s Music Hall Show by the Lissenden Players at the Highgate Literary & Scientific Institute in Pond Square, Highgate is on WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19th 2022. Doors open 7.30 pm for 8 pm start. Admission £8 at the door.
In the cast: Sue Yager, Pamela Mundy, Syd Maddicott and Racker Donnelly with Paul Kenealy in the Chair and Derek Marcus at the piano.