I am writing to see if anyone on the list can offer information about the popular nigger minstrel troupes (somewhat politically *incorrect* as a term today!:-) who were performing in the UK during the 1880s through to the turn of the century. My particular interest is in trying to get information on a great grandfather, James MITCHELL. The family oral tradition is that, from a fairly well-to-do family, he ran away from school (Cheltenham?) to go on the stage. He was a very competent musician - particularly the banjo, and always described himself as a *vocalist* on his children's birth certificates, etc. It would seem that he was in London for the 1881 census and for ten years or so was involved in performing, but by 1891 was married and in Swindon, Wilts. Because of his determination to cut himself off from his family he seems to have given a different birthplace in the census returns. He may have been born in London, Bristol or even the Isle of Wight / Portsmouth. I have just about given up trying to trace his family, but thought it might be interesting to discover something about his background on the stage. My family always told of him being with George Elliott the *original chocolate-coloured coon*. If any one can offer any information or suggested reading I'd be very grateful. Steve, Swindon, Wilts.