No Fred Hastings sorry to say,but just a line on Ernest HASTINGS,"Entertainers at the piano were popular features of Music Hall others prominent were Tom Clare and Ernest Hastings" Carole in Ontario Canada ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pat" <irvnyman@csolve.net> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, February 21, 2003 4:45 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > I would be interested to know if your book has any reference to Fred > Hastings - never give up hope of finding some new information. Thank you > Pat, Ontario. > >

IF your book has anything on Fred Hastings I would appreciate knowing. I think I have made a similar request to you before. Thank you. Pat, Ontario.

I would be interested to know if your book has any reference to Fred Hastings - never give up hope of finding some new information. Thank you Pat, Ontario.

Forwarded at the request of Melissa Blackburn Dear Rootsweb I am writing in the hope that British subscribers of Rootsweb will be able to help me. We are making a serious history documentary for Channel 4 here in the UK, and I think some of your subscribers will be able to help. Our company, Testimony Films, specialises in oral history films using interviews and archive to give a voice the older generation. We’ve made a number of high profile, award-winning series such as MARRIED LOVE (2002 for Channel 4, which won a Royal Television Society Award), VETERANS : THE LAST SURVIVORS OF THE GREAT WAR (a BBC1 series marking the eightieth anniversary of the end of the First World War using the memories of the last soldiers alive), SOME LIKED IT HOT (2001 for ITV, which documented the history of the British on holiday) and GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND (1999, a major Channel 4 series looking at country life in Britain). At the moment we are making a Channel 4 history film about people who found love outside marriage during the first half of the century- long before the swinging sixties. Escaping the loneliness of an unhappy marriage, some were drawn into secret affairs, and a few lucky ones found the love of their life. Wartime brought uncertainty and romance was often kindled. But this was an era of different social and sexual attitudes when divorce was difficult or impossible, and so many couples suffered much heartache and humiliation before they could be together. We’re looking for stories from the 1930s – 1950s (so from people who are aged seventy plus) which reflect this kind of experience. Historically, this is an area very little is known about, and we feel its important that their stories are told. Obviously this is a sensitive subject, but I must say that we pride ourselves on our tact and confidentiality when tackling these films – our contributors often find them an extremely rewarding experience. As you can imagine, its quite difficult finding the right stories for this kind of programme, and I wondered if any of your subscribers to Rootsweb who are based in Britain would be able to help. We're really looking people who had these kind of experiences in the UK in the 1930s -1950s. Anything you can do to get the word out to your subscribers. Perhaps you have a newsletter we can put an article about our search in, or an e-mail list to send it out to? Many thanks, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries at all, or if you need anything else. Very best wishes Melissa Blackburn Assistant Producer Testimony Films 12 Great George Street Bristol BS1 5RS Tel: (+44) 0117 925 8589

> I hadn't noticed the "d. of Michael James Sweetman" part originally. > Little chance it can be your cousin's grandfather, I guess! Sorry to > send you up the garden path. Thanks Neal, You never know with these artsy types :-) John Zillwood john@zillwood.com Communications Officer Abbotsford Genealogical Society http://www.rootsweb.com/~bcags/

Was someone looking for the DARE SISTERS on this list. Or was I imagining it???? Please contact me as there was a listing on the LONDON list..... "her mother was the godaughter of Phyllis DARE." Any port in a storm - probably the same person and am preaching to the converted. chuckle!!!!! Pam from Adelaide Life is not measured by the number of breathes we take, But by the moments that take our breathe away. RESEARCHING - HILLIER/WORWOOD - KENT/BIRMINGHAM SEAGRAVES - WEST SUSSEX + PARKER - WEST SUSSEX /KENT STROUD - SUSSEX + DULLEY - MIDDLESEX/LONDON/KENT/SURREY+ LARKINS - SHROPSHIRE/MIDDLESEX/SURREY GRIGGS - ESSEX + KEENE - LONDON +

Hi John Here you go: FRANCIS, M E, dramatic author; b. Killiney Park, Dublin; d. of Michael James Sweetman; e. privately, at home, and at Brussels; m. Francis Nicholl Blundell (decd); has written the following plays; "The Widow Woos" (with Sydney Valentine), "Olf and the Little Maid", "The Third Time of Asking", "Fiander's Widow" (with Sydney Valentine), "Tom's Second Missus", etc.; has written over twenty books. Address: The Manor House, Blandford, Dorset. I hadn't noticed the "d. of Michael James Sweetman" part originally. Little chance it can be your cousin's grandfather, I guess! Sorry to send you up the garden path. -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Zillwood" <john@zillwood.com> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 7:43 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] Lookups > ---- Original Message ---- > From: "Neal Dench" <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 10:10 PM > Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] Lookups > > > Hi John, > > > > No Zillwoods, I'm afraid. There is an entry for FRANCIS, M. E., > > dramatic author, but that's the only match. Let me know if you want > > the info and I'll send it to you. > > Thanks for the look-ups Neal. If it's not too much bother I would > appreciate the info on FRANCIS, M.E. as there is some confusion as to the > alias that he used. > > Regards. > > John Zillwood john@zillwood.com > Communications Officer > Abbotsford Genealogical Society > http://www.rootsweb.com/~bcags/ > >

Hi Brian Nothing in the 1930 Who's Who I'm afraid, for either ROLLS or WATSON. There are several WATSONs listed, but the only one that comes close is a Margaret WATSON, who was an actress in the early C20th. -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "The Walkers" <marbri@chariot.net.au> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 8:57 AM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] Madam Rolls/Rowles > Seeking information on Madam ROLLS (born as Madge Watson) who was a pianist > in the UK (probably the London area) around late 19th early 20th century. > We > know she had two sons named Vero and Rollo and lived in Surrey at some > time. > This is all we know of her - she was the sister of my great-grandfather, > George Watson. > > Thank you, > > Brian Walker > Researching: > England: WALKER, HEARD, WATSON, PAGE > > >

The 1930 Who's Who has two very long entries: one for Phyllis DARE and one for Zena DARE (her sister). So if whoever was looking would like to contact me too, I'd be happy to send them. On a somewhat related personal note, the name Zena Dare rings bells with me. My Mum has often said that I would have been called Zena if I'd been a girl, after someone that was on the stage, so it's quite possible that it was one and the same person. -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pam Hillier" <pamhillier@iprimus.com.au> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:58 PM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] DARE SISTERS > Was someone looking for the DARE SISTERS on this list. Or was I imagining it???? > > Please contact me as there was a listing on the LONDON list..... > "her mother was the godaughter of Phyllis DARE." > Any port in a storm - probably the same person and am preaching to the converted. chuckle!!!!! > Pam from Adelaide > > > Life is not measured by the number of breathes we take, > But by the moments that take our breathe away. > RESEARCHING - HILLIER/WORWOOD - KENT/BIRMINGHAM > SEAGRAVES - WEST SUSSEX + > PARKER - WEST SUSSEX /KENT > STROUD - SUSSEX + > DULLEY - MIDDLESEX/LONDON/KENT/SURREY+ > LARKINS - SHROPSHIRE/MIDDLESEX/SURREY > GRIGGS - ESSEX + > KEENE - LONDON + >

Hi Neal Thanks for lookups. Negatives are always useful - at least I know now! Yes Jasper Maskelyne's life both as an entertainer, and as "camouflage expert" in North Africa, is fascinating. The Maskelynes were famous English illusionists between 1860s and 1950, and Jasper was one of the third generation of the family to become an illusionist. In WW2 he used his 'magic' skills - particularly misdirection and lighting - to great effect, hiding tanks, warships, and even the port of Alexandria. A book of his exploits - The War Magician by David Fisher - was published in 1983. The film rights to the book were sold to Paramount Pictures a few years ago and Tom Cruise is said to be keen to play the part of Jasper. Unfortunately the present situation in the Middle East makes it unlikely that the film will be made for some time. Magic history lesson over ! Thanks again Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: Neal Dench <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> To: Sue Rowbotham <sue@rowbos.demon.co.uk> Sent: 20 February 2003 05:35 Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] GINNETT MASKELYNE THOMPSON BOADEN Lookups > Hi Sue > > No, sorry, nothing on any of these names. I guess the Who's Who only > concentrates on people involved more directly in the theatre world. > > I must say, being a "camouflage expert" for entertainment sounds intriguing! > :-) > > Cheers > > -- > Neal > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Sue Rowbotham" <sue@rowbos.demon.co.uk> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 10:46 PM > Subject: [THEATRE-UK] GINNETT MASKELYNE THOMPSON BOADEN Lookups > > > > Hi Neal > > > > Many thanks. Interested in any references to: > > > > GINNETT - circus family > > JASPER MASKELYNE - illusionist, actor, camouflage expert ! > > MASKELYNE family - illusionists > > ALFRED CYRIL THOMPSON (known professionally as Cyril) - opera singer > > ALICE BOADEN - opera singer (sang at Covent Garden in 1902/3) > > > > Thanks again > > > > Sue > >

Seeking information on Madam ROLLS (born as Madge Watson) who was a pianist in the UK (probably the London area) around late 19th early 20th century. We know she had two sons named Vero and Rollo and lived in Surrey at some time. This is all we know of her - she was the sister of my great-grandfather, George Watson. Thank you, Brian Walker Researching: England: WALKER, HEARD, WATSON, PAGE

Hi Neal Thanks for the info does not ring any bells at the moment but will keep on file just in case Phil -----Original Message----- From: Neal Dench [mailto:ndench@tinyworld.co.uk] Sent: 20 February 2003 05:23 To: THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] New To List Hi Phil, The only references to POWER in the 1930 Who's Who are to Tyrone Power (didn't he become a filmstar?), born London 1869, but obviously located in the US by his first appearance in 1886, and to Hartley Power, born in New York 1894. There's no reference to Jane Paget either, though there is a Cecil Paget, who was manager of the Crown Theatre, Peckham in 1898. If that rings any bells let me know and I'll copy the complete entry. Cheers -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Wharram" <phil.wharram@btinternet.com> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 8:12 PM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] New To List > Hi > > Just to say I have been recently started looking on because of a possible > theatrical link with my wife's family > On the 1881 census William Stephen Power with his wife Jane (nee Paget) are > listed as actors although I cannot find references to this later although > his son also William Stephen is also supposed to have been in the theatre > and is according to family legend related to Jill Summers of Coranation St > fame > > If anybody happens across any of these names I would be grateful for any > info > > Phil > Dumfries > MLFHS 12583 > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.449 / Virus Database: 251 - Release Date: 27/01/2003 > --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.456 / Virus Database: 256 - Release Date: 18/02/2003 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.456 / Virus Database: 256 - Release Date: 18/02/2003

Hi Neal I'm still on the lookout for anything related to Dan Leno. If you have time please check. Thanks in anticipation. -- Best regards, Peter McNulty peter@sparshott.org.uk www.sparshott.org.uk Researching: SPARSHOTT families world-wide WICKHAM in north Kent. EDGARD - any time, any place, anywhere. GREENWELL - north east England. LONGHURST (Isaac) - Coldharbour, SRY & Dan LENO for a friend. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Neal Dench" <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 5:39 AM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] Requests for look-ups > Hi everyone, > > Just a general message to say that, with all the activity in the last couple > of days, things have been a bit hectic. I _think_ I've now replied to > everyone that asked me to look up some information, so if you were expecting > a reply from me and haven't heard yet, feel free to give me a prod, because > you might have slipped through the net. And, of course, new requests are > always welcome too. > > Cheers > > -- > Neal >

---- Original Message ---- From: "Neal Dench" <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 10:10 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] Lookups > Hi John, > > No Zillwoods, I'm afraid. There is an entry for FRANCIS, M. E., > dramatic author, but that's the only match. Let me know if you want > the info and I'll send it to you. Thanks for the look-ups Neal. If it's not too much bother I would appreciate the info on FRANCIS, M.E. as there is some confusion as to the alias that he used. Regards. John Zillwood john@zillwood.com Communications Officer Abbotsford Genealogical Society http://www.rootsweb.com/~bcags/

Hi everyone, Just a general message to say that, with all the activity in the last couple of days, things have been a bit hectic. I _think_ I've now replied to everyone that asked me to look up some information, so if you were expecting a reply from me and haven't heard yet, feel free to give me a prod, because you might have slipped through the net. And, of course, new requests are always welcome too. Cheers -- Neal

Hi Carole, Nothing on any Bellwoods in the Who's Who, I'm afraid. Sorry :-( -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carole Cumber" <cdcumber@sprint.ca> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 1:41 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > Hello again Neal, > What have you found on Bessie Bellwood?? I am forever looking for more > information on the lady,my Great Aunt, > Carole in Canada.

Hi Carole, I'm not surprised he's not in there, because my Dad wasn't really involved in music halls, but thanks for looking. -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carole Cumber" <cdcumber@sprint.ca> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 1:27 PM Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > Hi Neal, > When I first saw your name on the list I did look to see if any mention was > made of Bertram Dench but nothing. > This book starts with reference to the birth in 1819 of Charles MORTON and > ends with Gracie FIELDS(1950) > and many are mentioned in between, > Carole.

Hi Phil, The only references to POWER in the 1930 Who's Who are to Tyrone Power (didn't he become a filmstar?), born London 1869, but obviously located in the US by his first appearance in 1886, and to Hartley Power, born in New York 1894. There's no reference to Jane Paget either, though there is a Cecil Paget, who was manager of the Crown Theatre, Peckham in 1898. If that rings any bells let me know and I'll copy the complete entry. Cheers -- Neal ----- Original Message ----- From: "Phil Wharram" <phil.wharram@btinternet.com> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 8:12 PM Subject: [THEATRE-UK] New To List > Hi > > Just to say I have been recently started looking on because of a possible > theatrical link with my wife's family > On the 1881 census William Stephen Power with his wife Jane (nee Paget) are > listed as actors although I cannot find references to this later although > his son also William Stephen is also supposed to have been in the theatre > and is according to family legend related to Jill Summers of Coranation St > fame > > If anybody happens across any of these names I would be grateful for any > info > > Phil > Dumfries > MLFHS 12583 > --- > Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. > Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). > Version: 6.0.449 / Virus Database: 251 - Release Date: 27/01/2003 >

Hi Neal Many thanks. Interested in any references to: GINNETT - circus family JASPER MASKELYNE - illusionist, actor, camouflage expert ! MASKELYNE family - illusionists ALFRED CYRIL THOMPSON (known professionally as Cyril) - opera singer ALICE BOADEN - opera singer (sang at Covent Garden in 1902/3) Thanks again Sue ----- Original Message ----- From: Neal Dench <ndench@tinyworld.co.uk> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: 18 February 2003 05:49 Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] Lookups > Hi Sue, > > It definitely mentions authors, so it goes beyond the extent of just actors > for certain. How far beyond, I couldn't say. > > Pam's already mailed you to tell you about the Circus, Theatre and Music > Hall site. There's quite a bit of information on there, as well as links to > other places on the web that might contain useful stuff. > > By all means, let me have any names you want me to look up. > > Cheers > > -- > Neal > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Sue Rowbotham" <sue@rowbos.demon.co.uk> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, February 17, 2003 6:42 PM > Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] Lookups > > > > Neal > > > > Thanks for kind offer. Does 'Whos Who' list just pure theatrical people, > or > > does it cover people in other performing arts? For example I am interested > > in magicians/illusionists, circus entertainers and professional singers > !!! > > An eclectic mix ! > > > > Many thanks > > > > Sue Rowbotham > > ______________________________

Hi and thanks for that Carole......don't you just wish you could pop in a time machine and go back and meet them. To actually watch them on stage. I am sure I was born into the wrong era. But then I would have missed having front row seats at the Phantom of the opera....well the latest one anyway. Thanks hon Pam ----- Original Message ----- From: "Carole Cumber" <cdcumber@sprint.ca> To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: 19 February 2003 11:56 Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > Hi Pam, Chris has quite a bit for you on your James.W.Tate here is what is > in the book I have, > "Clarice Mayne was also something quite apart.She was the perfect principal > boy;to see her entrance as"Prince Charming"in the ballroom scene of > Cinderella,clad in black and silver,her truly lovely legs in silken > tights,all of her sparkling with silver lace and diamonds,(none brighter > than her own smile)was to understand what a principal boy and pantomine > should be. Her carriage and deportment were amazing,she walked indeed as a > Prince of Fairyland should walk,and an attractive husky voice,combined with > perfect diction,made her a great singer of songs. > On the halls she was a double act,the other half being her husband,the late > James.W.Tate,who was always referred to as"That". He composed the songs and > accompanied her on the piano and his clever by play and facial expression as > he made silent love to her,was real artistry. The by-play was never allowed > to interfere with the songs,but at the end of the last one,she would flash a > smile of invitation to"That"and he would rise from the piano,his face one > huge smile,put his tie straight,stick his hands in his pocket and swagger > off,the complete picture of the triumphant male. > The songs that these two consummate artists gave to music hall hold a place > still,such songs as"I was a good Little Girl till I met you";"I'm Looking > For Someone To Love Me" and "Joshua"for example.Tate died in 1922,a victim > of overwork,his great achievement uncompleted. He was a partner with Julian > Wylie in pantomine productions and to his own dying day,Julian Wylie never > produced a pantomine unless he had some of Jimmie Tate's music in it;he kept > his memory green to the last. Clarice Mayne is married again,and happily,to > that splendid comedian,Teddie Knox.But though she no longer performs,she is > still the same gracious lady of charm,whose songs will always be > remembered". > > Hope you enjoy this little insight into these two lovely people as much as I > did, > Carole in Cold Canada > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Pam Hillier" <pamhillier@iprimus.com.au> > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 6:17 PM > Subject: Re: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > > > > Hi Carole, > > Pam from Adelaide Australia here....anything on Clarice Mayne and James > > W.Tate would be much appreciated by myself and my genie cousin........ > > > > every tit bit helps. > > > > Regards and thanks for the nice offer. > > Pam from Adelaide > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Carole Cumber" <cdcumber@sprint.ca> > > To: <THEATRE-UK-L@rootsweb.com> > > Sent: 19 February 2003 00:38 > > Subject: [THEATRE-UK] "The Melodies Linger On" > > > > > > > Hello everyone, > > > I made this offer some time ago and I am repeating as per Dave's > > suggestion. > > > I have a rather battered copy of the above book which I am willing to do > > look-ups from. > > > The Melodies Linger On,the story of Music Hall by W.MACQUEEN-POPE,pb > > W.H.Allen,London app; 1950 > > > Carole Cumber,Canada. > > > > > > >