>I am new to this Theatre-UK list, so hello to everyone. > >My maternal Grandmother's sister was married to a James Gotobed and he was a >member of 'THE BLACK and WHITE FOLLIES'. I have a postcard of this group or >act. >It appears as if its from the 1930's possibly earlier. There are 8 members >of the group, 6 men and 2 ladies. The are dressed in loose clown costumes >for a better description with very large white frilly collars and bobbles >down the front for buttons and some down the arms and legs of the costume. >Scarves are tied on their heads gypsy style. > >In front of the group stands a set of drums and two men are holding a banjo. >Their faces are not blackened. Each side of this small group is a man in >smart suits of the times, possibly their managers? > >James Gotobed played the piano I know as my Mum used to tell me many years >ago that he and all the Tibble family he was part off were keen Spurs >supporters and Saturday evening James would play the piano for a sing-song, >my Mum and her young sisters underneath. > >The Follies were maybe from Tottenham, North London or possibly >Cambridgeshire. > >Just wondering if this means anything to anyone, I'd love to know the >history of this group or where I might try to find details of them? > >My thanks >Eve Evans >Frome >Somerset. >

Dear Listers, Has anyone ever heard of a variety act named "Professor Sparks & Thelmina?" During the 1940's & 50, they were touring the British theatre circuits and spent some time with Lord George Sanger's Circus. With the advent of television in the 1950's like many Varity Acts, they retired from the stage, and in 1959, George RATHBONE opened an electrical repair business in Northwich, Cheshire. Their act was to invite members of the audience to come on stage and attempt to "Wash the Electric Baby" which was of course "Wired" so they got a mild electric shock when they tried. Professor Sparks in real life was George RATHBONE, who along with Scottish born wife Thelma ran the act. Their only son George acted as the stooge who would come on stage as if he was a member of the audience. In the 1960's George RATHBONE sold the act to "Stromboli" (Danny LYNCH) the fire-eater. But I do not think that Stromboli ever resuscitated the "Baby" Regards, Martin MOORE