British Music Hall Society
@musichallsociety.bsky.social
Become a member via our website www.britishmusichallsociety.com
Registered charity no. 1128961
Registered charity no. 1128961
We've made incredible progress with our Archive this year. Since uploading our first collection in April 2025, we now have over 2,000 catalogue records on Archives Hub (link below). Check out our entries to explore the collection.
#MusicHall #archive #history
archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/locat...
#MusicHall #archive #history
archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/locat...
December 22, 2025 at 9:01 AM
We've made incredible progress with our Archive this year. Since uploading our first collection in April 2025, we now have over 2,000 catalogue records on Archives Hub (link below). Check out our entries to explore the collection.
#MusicHall #archive #history
archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/locat...
#MusicHall #archive #history
archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/search/locat...
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
Dan Leno #BOTD 1860. Massive star of music hall in his day. The panto 'Mother Goose' was written for him! @musichallsociety.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Dan Leno #BOTD 1860. Massive star of music hall in his day. The panto 'Mother Goose' was written for him! @musichallsociety.bsky.social
Pre-Christmas #songsheetsaturday: 'Ting-a-ling Ting-Tay' by Harry Dacre, sung by Harriet Vernon. A Spanish street musician ('quite the finest and divinest') is courted by a 'gentleman'—until her husband appears. Her only reply? 'Ting-a-ling-a-ling' 💔 #musichall
December 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Pre-Christmas #songsheetsaturday: 'Ting-a-ling Ting-Tay' by Harry Dacre, sung by Harriet Vernon. A Spanish street musician ('quite the finest and divinest') is courted by a 'gentleman'—until her husband appears. Her only reply? 'Ting-a-ling-a-ling' 💔 #musichall
The celebrated #panto patter song - The Shopwalker - a sketch by the one & only Dan Leno who was born #OTD 1860. Composed by George Le Brunn with lyrics by Walter de Freece (later Mr Vesta Tilley) depicting a humorous take on a department store assistant
#songsheetsaturday #musichall #walkthisway
#songsheetsaturday #musichall #walkthisway
December 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The celebrated #panto patter song - The Shopwalker - a sketch by the one & only Dan Leno who was born #OTD 1860. Composed by George Le Brunn with lyrics by Walter de Freece (later Mr Vesta Tilley) depicting a humorous take on a department store assistant
#songsheetsaturday #musichall #walkthisway
#songsheetsaturday #musichall #walkthisway
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
Happy #PantoDay from Theatres Trust 🎭
Pantos are so important to UK theatres
The panto is where most of us get our first introduction to the wonders of theatre
And the income from pantos support theatres' work through the rest of the year
Pantos are so important to UK theatres
The panto is where most of us get our first introduction to the wonders of theatre
And the income from pantos support theatres' work through the rest of the year
December 12, 2025 at 11:20 AM
Happy #PantoDay from Theatres Trust 🎭
Pantos are so important to UK theatres
The panto is where most of us get our first introduction to the wonders of theatre
And the income from pantos support theatres' work through the rest of the year
Pantos are so important to UK theatres
The panto is where most of us get our first introduction to the wonders of theatre
And the income from pantos support theatres' work through the rest of the year
Today is #pantoday 👏 👏 👏 Music Hall has a long association with this genre and we have a number of interesting pantomime collections in our #archive including a significant recent donation connected to Dorothy Ward who played in over 40 pantomimes from 1905-1957 including costumes, merch and photos.
December 12, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Today is #pantoday 👏 👏 👏 Music Hall has a long association with this genre and we have a number of interesting pantomime collections in our #archive including a significant recent donation connected to Dorothy Ward who played in over 40 pantomimes from 1905-1957 including costumes, merch and photos.
Harry Rickards, 'King of Australian vaudeville', was born in December 1843. For #SongSheetSaturday: his 1887 song 'That's What the Country Wants to Know' composed by Elsie Phillis (female songwriter - info anyone?) with words by FV St Clair, pub. Hopwood & Crew. Find it in our archive #MusicHall
December 6, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Harry Rickards, 'King of Australian vaudeville', was born in December 1843. For #SongSheetSaturday: his 1887 song 'That's What the Country Wants to Know' composed by Elsie Phillis (female songwriter - info anyone?) with words by FV St Clair, pub. Hopwood & Crew. Find it in our archive #MusicHall
This documentary was written by Ray Mackender, one of the co-founders of our Society #MusicHall #BMHS
A loving documentary tribute to the days of British Music Hall.
🎭 A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY (1968) 5:45pm featuring #LilyMorris #MarkEden #BarryCryer #GusElen and many more in archival footage and live recreations.
🎭 A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY (1968) 5:45pm featuring #LilyMorris #MarkEden #BarryCryer #GusElen and many more in archival footage and live recreations.
December 5, 2025 at 10:45 AM
This documentary was written by Ray Mackender, one of the co-founders of our Society #MusicHall #BMHS
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
We've just released more stalls tickets for the Silent Comedy Gala!
Join @stephenmangan.bsky.social , #RickWakeman + more at Bristol Beacon on Fri 6 Feb for great cinema, live music and lots of laughs 😂 Tickets below 👇
Join @stephenmangan.bsky.social , #RickWakeman + more at Bristol Beacon on Fri 6 Feb for great cinema, live music and lots of laughs 😂 Tickets below 👇
🥁 Announcing our host for the Silent Comedy Gala... @stephenmangan.bsky.social !
The actor and comedian joins us at Bristol Beacon on Friday 6th February 2026 19:30 for a packed evening of timeless comedy, live music, and vintage charm - tickets in below 👇
#stephenmangan #charliechaplin
The actor and comedian joins us at Bristol Beacon on Friday 6th February 2026 19:30 for a packed evening of timeless comedy, live music, and vintage charm - tickets in below 👇
#stephenmangan #charliechaplin
December 2, 2025 at 5:39 PM
We've just released more stalls tickets for the Silent Comedy Gala!
Join @stephenmangan.bsky.social , #RickWakeman + more at Bristol Beacon on Fri 6 Feb for great cinema, live music and lots of laughs 😂 Tickets below 👇
Join @stephenmangan.bsky.social , #RickWakeman + more at Bristol Beacon on Fri 6 Feb for great cinema, live music and lots of laughs 😂 Tickets below 👇
Today, Jack Stanford, 'the greatest eccentric dancer of the day,' will be commemorated with a Blue Plaque at his Mallinson Road home, Battersea. Here's a 1932 showcard from our archive featuring him in a 'non-stop variety' bill at the London Pavilion. Look him up on YouTube to see his incredible act
November 29, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Today, Jack Stanford, 'the greatest eccentric dancer of the day,' will be commemorated with a Blue Plaque at his Mallinson Road home, Battersea. Here's a 1932 showcard from our archive featuring him in a 'non-stop variety' bill at the London Pavilion. Look him up on YouTube to see his incredible act
Vesta Victoria was born November 1873, for #songsheetsaturday here's her 1897 hit written by Fred Murray & Laurence Barclay. 'Our Lodger's Such a Nice Young Man'. He's such a good, goody young man, Mamma told me so, 'he kissed Mamma and all of us, cos Papa was away.'
November 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Vesta Victoria was born November 1873, for #songsheetsaturday here's her 1897 hit written by Fred Murray & Laurence Barclay. 'Our Lodger's Such a Nice Young Man'. He's such a good, goody young man, Mamma told me so, 'he kissed Mamma and all of us, cos Papa was away.'
Annie Adams was born in November 1843 in Newport, Isle of Wight. For #songsheetsaturday here's her c. 1868 hit song, 'Popsy Wopsy!' One of the first successful female Music Hall performers, 'The Queen of Serio-Comic Vocalists.'
November 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Annie Adams was born in November 1843 in Newport, Isle of Wight. For #songsheetsaturday here's her c. 1868 hit song, 'Popsy Wopsy!' One of the first successful female Music Hall performers, 'The Queen of Serio-Comic Vocalists.'
We have very few tickets left for our final 'In the Limelight' evening of 2025 - a talk by Mark Llewellin, 'Les & Roy, Cissie & Ada'. If you want to come, book soon to grab those last tickets 🎟️
Book HERE: www.ticketsource.co.uk/britishmusic...
Book HERE: www.ticketsource.co.uk/britishmusic...
www.ticketsource.co.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:30 AM
We have very few tickets left for our final 'In the Limelight' evening of 2025 - a talk by Mark Llewellin, 'Les & Roy, Cissie & Ada'. If you want to come, book soon to grab those last tickets 🎟️
Book HERE: www.ticketsource.co.uk/britishmusic...
Book HERE: www.ticketsource.co.uk/britishmusic...
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
The Varieties (Variety Theatre or Harwood’s Hall) in Pitfield Street, Hoxton, a short distance from Shoreditch church, was built in 1869 behind the White Horse pub. It was designed by the leading theatre architect, C. J. Phipps, who probably devoted more attention to the pub facade t
November 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Varieties (Variety Theatre or Harwood’s Hall) in Pitfield Street, Hoxton, a short distance from Shoreditch church, was built in 1869 behind the White Horse pub. It was designed by the leading theatre architect, C. J. Phipps, who probably devoted more attention to the pub facade t
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
A charming donkey taking a drink during a #magiclantern show interval. Note the bird - Victorians couldn't resist a pun... #mottoslidemonday
November 10, 2025 at 8:56 AM
A charming donkey taking a drink during a #magiclantern show interval. Note the bird - Victorians couldn't resist a pun... #mottoslidemonday
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
Delighted to pick up The Hanlon Volta Waltzes, 1885 sheet music composed by Charles Seaton who had a stall at Crystal Palace where the five strong aerial troupe performed.
November 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Delighted to pick up The Hanlon Volta Waltzes, 1885 sheet music composed by Charles Seaton who had a stall at Crystal Palace where the five strong aerial troupe performed.
Prolific #MusicHall songwriter Joseph Tabrar was born in November 1857 - for #songsheetsaturday here is one of his offerings from 1897, sung by Harry Randall - 'Poor Pa Paid'. Ma enjoys music hall outings and occasionally ends up in a 'tea fight', resulting in a Police Court fine...paid by Pa.
November 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Prolific #MusicHall songwriter Joseph Tabrar was born in November 1857 - for #songsheetsaturday here is one of his offerings from 1897, sung by Harry Randall - 'Poor Pa Paid'. Ma enjoys music hall outings and occasionally ends up in a 'tea fight', resulting in a Police Court fine...paid by Pa.
We were delighted to support the excellent Music Hall Showcase & Symposium on Saturday at @thelondonarchives.bsky.social. The full day featured diverse talks, engaging conversations, and the opportunity to view music hall materials from TLA's collection, including a fascinating ILEA film from 1974.
November 3, 2025 at 8:30 AM
We were delighted to support the excellent Music Hall Showcase & Symposium on Saturday at @thelondonarchives.bsky.social. The full day featured diverse talks, engaging conversations, and the opportunity to view music hall materials from TLA's collection, including a fascinating ILEA film from 1974.
One of Blackpool's finest - Victoria Monks - was born #OTD 1882 . For #songsheetsaturday here is her 1908 hit song by EW Rogers and J Charles Moore. ‘Call round any old time and make yourself at home, put your feet on the mantle shelf, open the cupboard and help yourself…’ #MusicHall
November 1, 2025 at 8:30 AM
One of Blackpool's finest - Victoria Monks - was born #OTD 1882 . For #songsheetsaturday here is her 1908 hit song by EW Rogers and J Charles Moore. ‘Call round any old time and make yourself at home, put your feet on the mantle shelf, open the cupboard and help yourself…’ #MusicHall
In honour of #BlackHistoryMonth, today’s #SongSheetSaturday features Winifred Atwell’s ‘Flirtation Waltz’. 🎶 A household name of the 1950s, Atwell was born in Trinidad in 1914. Her Boogie-Woogie style captivated UK audiences — & she became the 1st Black artist to sell a million records ✨
October 25, 2025 at 8:40 AM
In honour of #BlackHistoryMonth, today’s #SongSheetSaturday features Winifred Atwell’s ‘Flirtation Waltz’. 🎶 A household name of the 1950s, Atwell was born in Trinidad in 1914. Her Boogie-Woogie style captivated UK audiences — & she became the 1st Black artist to sell a million records ✨
TOMORROW NIGHT - 'In the Limelight' - A History of Black Performers in Morecambe. We look forward to hearing Kirsty Roberts, talking about the Black performers who regularly graced the town's stages—artists like Adelaide Hall, Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates, and Cassie Walmer. Book HERE
www.ticketsource.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
TOMORROW NIGHT - 'In the Limelight' - A History of Black Performers in Morecambe. We look forward to hearing Kirsty Roberts, talking about the Black performers who regularly graced the town's stages—artists like Adelaide Hall, Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates, and Cassie Walmer. Book HERE
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
The Royal Albert Hall may not be a regular venue for sumo (omg I LOVE THE SUMO!), but it DOES have a long history as a venue for other wrestling.
Here's the Umpire Getting Excited as Hackenschmidt and Jenkins get themselves into A Curious Position.
July 1904, Penny Illustrated Paper (via BNA):
Here's the Umpire Getting Excited as Hackenschmidt and Jenkins get themselves into A Curious Position.
July 1904, Penny Illustrated Paper (via BNA):
October 17, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The Royal Albert Hall may not be a regular venue for sumo (omg I LOVE THE SUMO!), but it DOES have a long history as a venue for other wrestling.
Here's the Umpire Getting Excited as Hackenschmidt and Jenkins get themselves into A Curious Position.
July 1904, Penny Illustrated Paper (via BNA):
Here's the Umpire Getting Excited as Hackenschmidt and Jenkins get themselves into A Curious Position.
July 1904, Penny Illustrated Paper (via BNA):
Now ere's a funny thing, today's sheet music is for Max Miller's biggest hit 'Mary from the Dairy' , a song released in 1936 becoming his signature tune. Miller paid Sam Kern £4 for the number. This coming Tuesday 21st November would have been Miller's 132nd birthday. #SongSheetSaturday #MusicHall
October 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Now ere's a funny thing, today's sheet music is for Max Miller's biggest hit 'Mary from the Dairy' , a song released in 1936 becoming his signature tune. Miller paid Sam Kern £4 for the number. This coming Tuesday 21st November would have been Miller's 132nd birthday. #SongSheetSaturday #MusicHall
Reposted by British Music Hall Society
#MusicHall research down in Lambeth today at the @musichallsociety.bsky.social archive. #Dundee posters, Hetty King’s shoes, Max Miller’s hat, and the trousers of G.H. Elliott! #planning #WatchThisSpace
@lambetharchives.bsky.social
@lambetharchives.bsky.social
October 17, 2025 at 2:39 PM
#MusicHall research down in Lambeth today at the @musichallsociety.bsky.social archive. #Dundee posters, Hetty King’s shoes, Max Miller’s hat, and the trousers of G.H. Elliott! #planning #WatchThisSpace
@lambetharchives.bsky.social
@lambetharchives.bsky.social
Fun & games in Brighton yesterday when we unveiled a replacement Blue Plaque for Max Miller. Jamie Kenna did the honours resplendent in Max jacket & hat…#MusicHall
October 17, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Fun & games in Brighton yesterday when we unveiled a replacement Blue Plaque for Max Miller. Jamie Kenna did the honours resplendent in Max jacket & hat…#MusicHall