Looking for information about George Edward Sykes who used the stage name Murray.(1842-1905) I have found a George Murray appearing in "Julius Caesar" at Her Majesty's Theatre, London 1898. Does anyone have info about this production? George Sykes is in the 1901 census as theatrical manager in Ashton under Lyne. Any info about theatres in this location? Websites I found helpful if they haven't already been mentioned; http://www.backstage.ac.uk/index_html http://www.bris.ac.uk/theatrecollection Cathy, NZ

Re Census. If this is any help. I had an aunt who was listed as a musicall artist in the 1901 Census. She was listed under her married name i.e. Lily Bathie - still need to find her stage name. Regards. Amy

HI Everyone Please can anyone tell me how one can find out if an ancestor had a stage name? Also when looking for them in a census have the majority of you found them listed under their proper name or sometimes under their stage name? I am having difficulty find Charles James Nugent on any census. He had died by the time of the 1881 census. Research so far via BMD's and Trade directories gives the impression that he was in London c1840's - 1850's possibly as a clerk or secretary for Her Majesty's Theatre. Later searching via BMD's and the Court section of the London Post Office Directory c1870's suggest he was now a Theatre manager/Theatre Box Keeper. However there is a gap during the 1860's were he dissappears. There is one clue from a BMD of that period that he may have been a Comedian. Did all actors from Victorian times take Stage Names? look forward to hearing from you many regards MOIRA

I have been trying to trace one branch of my family for some time now and am stuck. I wondered if anyone can help. My G/Grandfather was 'JOHN WILLIAM COVE GIBBONS' he was married to Margaret Hannah Mewburn. They had a daughter, born in Darlington, Durham in 1888 and named Edith Lisbourne (is this a family name) On the birth certificate JWC was recorded as being an actor and his wife was also (apparently - from family stories). The family also say that he was know as Ernest - so Gibbons could have been his stage name at the time Grandma went to live with a friend of the Gibbons called Scaife and was know as Daisy for some reason Can anyone out there help ?

Hi listers Has anyone already mentioned this site? Looks good! www.bl.uk/collectbritain. Collect Britain is an exciting British Library project that will be launched in July 2003. It aims to provide us all with the chance to relish some of the Library's wonderful archives now online, for research or fun, from our own homes. A combination of very well organised material, the expertise of the curators...and innovative technology, as well as help from New Opportunities Funding, has resulted in a website with a wealth of information. This material has never before been so widely accessible, and these archives will help to bring our ancestors' worlds to life. (Much more) Then: The four collections online this July comprise: 'An essential guide through the history of London', 1200 maps dating from 1570 to 1860; The original Ordnance Surveyors' Drawings of Britain dating from 1790s to 1830; the Penny Illustrated Paper, three years of OCR images of the original issues; and 'Sing Along' songs and images from the 19th century music hall tradition. A further 12 collec! tions will come online by the middle of 2004. Cheers Josi K.

I'd be interested if anyone has any information on Herbert John Harden (actor on the 1891 census) b. 1861 as he's my husband's grandfather. My father in law Hugh Herbert Harden (Herbert's son) was also an artiste - a baritone. Herbert John's second marriage was to Margaret Helen Parker who wrote and appeared in reviews and shows and who is listed on the 1901 census as a professional singer. Her sister Jesse Parker is also listed as a professional singer. I have birth dates etc but little inkling of the type of performances Herbert was associated with. If anyone does know more or can suggest other sources I would be grateful. With thanks Sheila harden

I dont know i just assumed that whoever was going to take it over, didn't end up doing it. Mel Morris -----Original Message----- From: Dave Jassie [mailto:dave.jassie@ntlworld.com] Sent: July 4, 2003 3:34 AM To: THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [THEATRE-UK] Website Hi folks, Does anyone know what has happened regarding Paul Newman's website http://www.entertainer-genealogy.org.uk/. I know someone was meant to be taking it over following his death last year, but the URL I have no longer works. Best wishes, Dave Jassie - dave.jassie@ntlworld.com (List Administrator) Visit Gen-Links at - http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~jassie/index.html Proud to be part of the FreeCen Project http://freecen.rootsweb.com/

Hi folks, Does anyone know what has happened regarding Paul Newman's website http://www.entertainer-genealogy.org.uk/. I know someone was meant to be taking it over following his death last year, but the URL I have no longer works. Best wishes, Dave Jassie - dave.jassie@ntlworld.com (List Administrator) Visit Gen-Links at - http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~jassie/index.html Proud to be part of the FreeCen Project http://freecen.rootsweb.com/

Hi folks, For those of you who are not already aware - the FreeCen on-line database of the 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871 and 1891 censuses is now available to search. Before you go off to search it though, please be aware that it is by no means complete so don't expect too much just yet. FreeCen needs more volunteers to help with the mammoth task, so why not help if you can. Because access to it is being phased in gradually you may not be able to access it yet - it seems to depend on your ISP. For you NTLers out there - it's available now!! If you find you can't access it yet - please be patient and don't be tempted to post messages to the list asking why you can't, when you can or telling us that you already have used it. Go to http://freecen.rootsweb.com/ and click on "Search the Database" Best wishes, Dave Jassie - dave.jassie@ntlworld.com (List Administrator) Visit Gen-Links at - http://freepages.misc.rootsweb.com/~jassie/index.html Proud to be part of the FreeCen Project http://freecen.rootsweb.com/

Dear Rita, I will send this to the list as my direct messages to you, including this one) are always returned to me as undeliverable (even when I hit reply!). Please ignore my ramblings of yesterday as I subsequently re-read your previous messages and realised that the John b in 1836 was the wrong one. Today I had a look at the 1901 in Darlington library to find other theatricals who were in the Chester-le-Street area at the same time as Alan's grandparents. I only managed to search three fiche but I did find the following which grabbed me: Frederic Simmons Visitor, Married age 27, Theatrical Agent, worker, born Pembrokeshire, Milford Haven Clara? Simmons, visitor (presumably his wife) Mar, age 28, Actress, born Newcastle. He must be one of the Denvilles - did Alfred have any brothers other than William? Or were there any cousins involved in the companies? This all fits with the story that Alan's grandparents travelled with the Denvilles (although you will have found Alfred in Swansea in the 1901, I assume). Ann

Could SKS lookup to see if there is an obituary for my great Uncle Barry MACKAY (also known as Barry REAY-MACKAY) who died on 12th December 1985 at St Stephens Hospital, Chelsea. He was an actor who appeared in stage shows and many films. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks & regards Debbie Bowdler Motueka, New Zealand

Hi Whirligigers! You registered to be informed of updates to the WHIRLIGIG 1950's BRITISH TV AND RADIO NOSTALGIA site. June 2003 Newsletter. "Here is the news and this is Alvar Lidell reading it....." >From 1932 Alvar Lidell was one of the best known newsreaders on the wireless. During June, I was contacted by Alvar's son Marcus and he kindly wrote a couple of anecdotes for publishing on the website. I have gathered these into a new 'Snippet': http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/memories/snippets/index.htm >From the same page you will see that I have also added another 'Snippet' about the departure from the BBC of Jennifer Gay, the first BBC Children's TV announcer. A third new 'Snippet' was created from an extract from Steve Race's memoirs about his time on the Whirligig Children's TV show in the early '50s. All these are available from the same index link above. Only one new video clip this month and one that I have had in storage for a while. It was donated by Engldave who is a subscriber to this newsletter. The clip is an opening sequence from 'Colonel March of Scotland Yard' and includes the theme tune. The series was based on the Carter Dickson collection of short stories, The Department of Queer Complaints, published in 1940. It starred Boris Karloff as the urbane, eye-patched sleuth who worked for D-3 and whose mystery-solving ranged from the unnatural to the supernatural. On other occasions, supposedly impossible crimes landed on his desk (including a murder in a sealed compression chamber where no-one could have reached the victim). March even confronted The Abominable Snowman in one episode. However he always found the solution. Ewan Roberts and Richard Wattis supported. http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/adults/other/british.htm#colmarch As I promised last month, news of a brand new website from Alastair and Janet Roxburgh who created the superb Telegoons website. It was only launched last weekend and is about Gordon Murray's marionette series of plays called "Rubovian Legends". Although not entirely completed yet (you may find a few missing links), it is available for initial access and promises to become the definitive work about the series of programmes. There will also be quite a long video sequence available on the website, in due course, to give you a flavour of what the programme was like or to rekindle old memories. Here is the link to the new site: http://www.telegoons.org/rubovia/index.htm =================================================================== As usual, if you think of anything that is missing or incorrect, have any more information about the programmes featured or just want to share your memories, do drop me a line to terry@whirligig-tv.co.uk Alternatively place them on the Message Board which I monitor daily at: http://go.ezboard.com/bwhirligigtv I'll be back at the end of July just in time for the start of the holiday season in the UK. Terry Guntrip (aka Mr. Turnip) http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk http://www.TurnipNet.com -------------------------------------------------------- See the "What's New" Pages at: http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/whatsnew.htm http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/radio/whatsnew.htm with links to all new major updates or use the A TO Z SITE INDEX at: http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/siteindex.htm http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/radio/siteindex.htm --------------------------------------------------------

I am trying to find information about my great grandmother's parents who were actors. Her father was George Edward Sykes but used the stage name "Ted Murray". Her mother's maiden name was Emily Dawson but she also had children with the surname Brown. I don't know if they ever married. I have found my g-grandmother in the 1891 and 1901 census as Ida Murray but not with her parents. Her birth was registered in Peterboro 1890 as Ida Murray but when she married in 1909 she was Ida Sykes. Confused? I sure am -any help would be appreciated. Cathy, NZ

Dear Mel, A kind thought, thank you. I, too, am looking for theatricals in the 1891 census but have no idea whereabouts in the country they could be. They are: Jonathan Roberts age 26 born Middlesex and Ellen Sophia Roberts age 23 born Leeds. They married in Bradford, Yorks in Nov 1890 and had a child in Banbury near Oxford in 1892. Most of their later working life was spent in Yorks and the N E. I'd be very grateful if anyone comes across them. Ann Hartley

I am from Boston originally and know there used to be a theatre off Wide Bargate called The New Theatre. It closed in the 1960's and is now a part of Marks and Spencers. Whether that was the Boston theatre used at the time you mention I could not say, I was too small. I do remember going to a panto there about 1957. Hope that information helps a litttle. Gillian. Now at Nottingham. ----- Original Message ----- From: "david nichols" <davidnichols@davidnichols.plus.com> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2003 11:19 PM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] Re:"REGGIE DINGLE" > Does anyone have any information on "REGGIE DINGLE" a comedian and pantomime > dame from 1909 to 1949. I do have a couple of front of house bills, one > from the theatre Palace Bradford 1912, and one from York. In the former > he was billed as a comedian and his two sisters, one of which was my mother, > were "The Lauri Sisters" duetists. The top of the bill was "VERA WOOTEN". > The YORK bill shows him as dame in "Dick Whittington". His last panto was > at Boston Lincs in 1949. I believe he featured in concert party at > Morcambe for 7 consecutive years during the 20 s and 30 s. > Any information will be greatly appreciated. > David Nichols > Cornwall. > >

Does anyone have any information on "REGGIE DINGLE" a comedian and pantomime dame from 1909 to 1949. I do have a couple of front of house bills, one from the theatre Palace Bradford 1912, and one from York. In the former he was billed as a comedian and his two sisters, one of which was my mother, were "The Lauri Sisters" duetists. The top of the bill was "VERA WOOTEN". The YORK bill shows him as dame in "Dick Whittington". His last panto was at Boston Lincs in 1949. I believe he featured in concert party at Morcambe for 7 consecutive years during the 20 s and 30 s. Any information will be greatly appreciated. David Nichols Cornwall.

While browsing my ancestry.co.uk 1891 census I found the following rg12 367 page 1 folio 35 1891 census Newington 66 New Kent Road George Morris - Music Hall Artiste, born Bucks, Aston, Clinton aged 20 I know it's a long shot, but knowing first hand how hard to track down theatricals (I'm looking for a family of Parkinsons in 1891 so if anyone finds them please let me know:)) I thought I'd put this in in case anyone recognizes them. regards Mel Morris

Hi listers! Does anyone remember a programme, many moons ago, (I think it was The Glums) when staff members of London Transport performed their version of "The Gondoliers"? I went to a very mediocre performance tonight and was transported (no pun intended!) back to when "Take a pair of sparkling eyes" became "Take a 6 from Kensal Rise, starting out from Camden Town". The famous dance was changed to "You, too, can hire a bus apply 55 Broadway, or you can telephone Abbey 1234". Another, the original I've forgotten, became "A Bus Inspector, I" What wouldn't I give to hear that programme again. Does anyone know if it's available as a tape? Cheers Josephine

My grandmother had a lot of sisters, she was one of 17! Possible sisters are: Mary, Eliza, Olive, Edith, Alice. Val ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carole Cumber" <cdcumber@sprint.ca> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2003 1:12 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] GAIETY GIRLS > Does she have a name??? > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Val Stuart" <v.stuart@virgin.net> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Saturday, June 21, 2003 7:04 AM > Subject: [THEATRE-UK] GAIETY GIRLS > > > > Hello, I am new to this list and this is our sole theatrical ancester! > > > > She was one of the Gaiety Girls and was a friend of Lilly Langtry who was > also a Gaiety Girl. I think it would be around 1905-1912. She was one of > my grandmother's sisters but I dont know which one. Her second name was > Corney but she may have changed her name. My grandmother used to visit her > sometimes in the afternoons and have tea at the Gaiety Theatre, she would > take my aunt with her and my aunt used to play with Lilly Langtry's little > boy. > > > > I have looked at a few sites but I havent found her name which indicates > she wasnt one of the famous Gaiety girls. > > > > Is there any way I can find her? And is anyone else researching the > Gaiety Girls, I would love to hear from you. > > > > Val > > > >

Hello, I am new to this list and this is our sole theatrical ancester! She was one of the Gaiety Girls and was a friend of Lilly Langtry who was also a Gaiety Girl. I think it would be around 1905-1912. She was one of my grandmother's sisters but I dont know which one. Her second name was Corney but she may have changed her name. My grandmother used to visit her sometimes in the afternoons and have tea at the Gaiety Theatre, she would take my aunt with her and my aunt used to play with Lilly Langtry's little boy. I have looked at a few sites but I havent found her name which indicates she wasnt one of the famous Gaiety girls. Is there any way I can find her? And is anyone else researching the Gaiety Girls, I would love to hear from you. Val