Music Hall and Variety

“We’ve all been busy in the old back yard
Couldn’t see each other for the steam
Before we washed up the dirty clothes
I hadn’t got a handerkerchief to wipe my nose
Oh my, talk about work, we’re over head and ears
Mother says she’s never had a wash day before
For very nearly fifteen years.”
Mother’s Washing Day, Dan Leno

My lifelong love of theatre began with my first performance (other than school) when I was 7 – and of course it was Music Hall! It was a Music Hall revue show performed in my hometown of North Walsham, presented by the oracle and magnificent Mary Pendred. Mary had performed her whole life and would often talk to me for hours upon hours of Music Hall and Variety. “I’m Shy Mary Ellen, I’m Shy” would be my signature tune in her shows into my teenage years!

I perform within Music Hall and Variety shows and cabaret. I also produce my own shows that tour around different venues. I Ama also available to hire for shows and appearances, from performance to talks and workshops.

NEW SHOW:
ONE MAN MUSIC HALL
“The BEST afternoon out for a long time!”
“Great memories relived of The Good Old Days.”
“You held the stage solo for an hour – and we were transported back in time.”
Songs, puppetry, sing-along and gags make up the 1 hour self-contained show. Booking now for 2023!

Options for booking include:

One Man Music Hall
50min-1 hour performance, sing-along and anecdotes on Music Hall
I can perform solo – just myself using recorded backing tracks – or I can come along with my amazing accompanist to give the authentic feel of Music Hall! We can come along self-dependent with keyboard, PA and speakers if required.

As an act
10-15 minute sets
Suitable for a Variety or Music Hall show
Ranging from song, singalong, comedy and puppetry!
Some productions hire an act as myself and then a second act as Titania Trust (think Danny La Rue).

Please contact me with information about your event and I can tailor a set just for you.

I am Branch Secretary of the East Anglia Variety Branch of Equity, the performer’s and creatives’ theatrical Union. ment. As a regional branch we support members of the Variety artform and we find different ways to maintain its momentum and standing within the entertainment and theatre sector. I am also a national Councillor for Variety, Circus and Entertainers for Equity. I am also a member of the British Music Hall Society.

I enjoy engaging people with the enchantment of Music Hall. I have led seminars and discussions, as well as being a performer and producer of Music Hall shows.

Seminars and discussions have been focused around:
• The songs and nostalgia (with sing-along, great for wellbeing, memories and older people).
• Lyrics, skits and their relevance to historical context or societal norms.
• Gender and identity of the Music Hall, from versions of drag and character persona.

I have performed as a vocalist and comedy act within Music Hall Shows. I enjoy the sketches, monologues and traditional patter of the bygone days.

I also perform and advocate Variety, the form of entertainment that developed from Music Hall (at the time seen to be less scandalous than its previous forray!).