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Anthony Binns

@anthonybinns.bsky.social
48 followers 62 following 49 posts

Theatre & music hall historian. Author of 'The Funniest Man in London - The Life of H.G.Pelissier, Edwardian Satirist & Founder of The Follies'👉 bit.ly/3DcqoAo www.anthonybinns.com & www.pelissiersfollies.com

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Reposted by Anthony Binns
British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 5h
#SongSheetSaturday - This week we have 'Harem Scarem' a song rendered by less recalled comic vocalist Arthur Combes (1865-1911). Combes made his professional debut as a singer in 1889. He appears to have had major success from 1890-1905 and was on the committee of the Music Hall Benevolent Fund.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
It was a pleasure to welcome Paul Hendy to our archive last week. Paul is the writer & director of the fantastic @thelastlaughplay, which brings together Britain’s comedy greats Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe & Bob Monkhouse in a dressing room. Learn more about our archive: buff.ly/aA14jxy
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Tonight 👇
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
🎭 #MusicHallMonday 🎭 Born this month in 1869: George Robey, "The Prime Minister of Mirth" and a music-hall great. This self-portrait is one of hundreds he sketched; our archive holds many. His coat, hat and walking stick are on display at Blackpool's Showtown Museum
George Robey self-portrait in pen and ink. Simple line drawing of Robey in his trademark bowler-style hat. Archive object RBY/004
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
#SongSheetSaturday 🌟 "The Story of the Stars" (1897) Sung by Arthur Reece, words by Albert Hall, music by George Le Brunn, art by HG Banks. Venus & Mars reimagined as a soldier + his sweetheart canoodling in a shady dell - until his 'missis' turns up. Tears, fisticuffs, chaos ensues #MusicHall
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
"Underneath The Arches..."
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Registration has re-opened for our AGM & Campaign Meeting online on Weds 16th September 2026 at 8pm Sorry if you have been unable to register but we have now reopened registration. Please register now via our events page streathamhilltheatre.org/events
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
#MusicHallMonday Come along to our 'Archive on Show' on Thu 22 Oct when we'll spotlight items connected to TRAVEL. Discover collection items that tell of performers life-on-the-road & be among the 1st to see material from the recent Ella Shields donation Book here: buff.ly/GN7r3xr I
Image of Ella Shields leaving for Australia, 1925 on train waving— BMHS Archive ref. C00292/12/022.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#SongSheetSaturday "Statues on the Spree" (1907) Nelson, Boadicea, Shakespeare & co. sneak off to the Covent Garden Ball, stumbling home "torn and tattered, badly battered," forgetting where they live! Music: Harry Fragson | Words: Wimperis & Davidson | Art: H. George 📷 BMHS Archive #MusicHall
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Can-Can, set in 1890's Montmartre, came to Streatham on this day 1956.
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Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Over the next week we're spotlighting theatres on our Fifty@50 list that are taking part in Heritage Open Days. First up we have The Albany Theatre in Coventry. Find out how we've supported the Albany www.theatrestrust.org.uk/how-we-help/... #HeritageOpenDays #ArtDeco #Coventry
An empty Art Deco Style theatre auditorium with red velvet seating, a balcony above, and a barrel vaulted ceiling with windows letting in natural light. The Fifty@50 logo is in the top right corner and the title Albany Theatre, Coventry sits aligned to the left along the bottom of the image.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
🎪 #MusicHallMonday: from the Flea Circus to the Girl with the Laugh in Her Voice, there's something for everyone this Autumn in #MusicHall and #Variety. Check out what's coming up👇️ buff.ly/NEhmJmE
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
🎶 #SongSheetSaturday 🎶 “Whispering Grass (I Don’t Tell the Trees)” featuring the fabulous Ivy Benson and her Band. Discover Ivy's story at our next In the Limelight talk: ✨ Ivy Benson, Original GIRL POWER 📅 Tues 22 Sept 2026 🎟️ Tickets: buff.ly/ynyNY4X #IvyBenson #WomenInMusic
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Tickets are selling fast for the 3rd British Music Hall Society Conference at the Cinema Museum on 21st November. There's a 'catering' theme this year, which promises to be huge fun. Book HERE www.ticketsource.com/britishmusic... #musichall #musichallmonday
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Wonderful article in The Guardian yesterday featuring some BMHS members #musichall #variety…https://www.theguardian.com/stage/ng-interactive/2026/aug/29/showgirls-variety-stars-recall-days-on-stage-in-pictures www.theguardian.com/stage/ng-int...
theguardian.com
The showgirl sisterhood: five former variety stars look back at their wild careers – in pictures
The ‘Golden girls of Eastbourne’ first crossed paths more than 50 years ago. They recall flammable feather head-dresses, wardrobe malfunctions and topping the bill over the Beatles
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Another comedy genius who appeared at Streatham Hill Theatre!
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Rhodri Marsden @rhodri.biz · 09/06/2025
Still reeling at the news that a new song by Half Man Half Biscuit, “Record Store Day”, contains the line “Oh I do like to re-release my B-sides” #musichall
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
A very special gala night eighty three years ago today.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
"You Can't Judge Cigars by the Picture on the Box" - Minnie Cunningham's take on the phrase "you can't judge a book by its cover". Cunningham herself is said to have written the music, with lyrics by "Perroquet". Anyone know who used that pseudonym? #musichall #SongsheetSaturday
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Not just 'The funniest farce ever produced' but also 'The jolliest night of your life'!
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Tom Leamore was born #OTD 1866. Singer, wood carver, clog dancer and boxer he was said to be second only to the great Dan Leno in terms of his comic dancing. Here he is singing his hit Hi Hi Hi! #musichall #musichallmonday www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-va...
youtube.com
Tom Leamore: 'Hi! Hi! HI!' (1932)
A typical jolly music-hall song, sung with tremendous energy by Tom Leamore; He first appeared as a music-hall artist in 1880, and performed regularly until his popularity diminished from 1910…
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
"Ain't We Got Fun" by Gus Kahn, Raymond B Egan & Richard A Whiting. Published in 1921, the song features in the Great Gatsby novel and was quoted by George Orwell as a symbol of working class unrest. It is equally as well known as a symbol of the roaring twenties. #SongSheetSaturday #MusicHall
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Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Next on our Fifty@50 list is one of London's oldest theatres, Alexandra Palace Theatre. Find out how we helped breath new life into this historic venue www.theatrestrust.org.uk/how-we-help/... 📸 Courtesy of Alexandra Palace Theatre #HistoricTheatre #TheatreArchitecture #AllyPally
A full audience face towards a brightly lit circular stage watching a performance in Alexandra Palace Theatre's historic and ornately designed auditorium. Lighting rigs are suspended from the historic wooden ceiling. The Fifty@50 logo is in the top right corner and the title Alexandra Palace Theatre sits aligned to the left along the bottom of the image.
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Read more on our Blog Page - streathamhilltheatre.org/prime-mini…
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A lovely throwback to 2021. It wasn't all lockdown gloom. #OTD - 17 August - Jim Carter unveiled the blue plaque in honour of Ronnie Ronalde. Sheila Harrod whistled, and the current owners of the house even let us picnic in the garden! #musichall #musichallmonday
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Charles Handel Rand Marriott was a prolific composer of music for Victorian music hall and parlour. This piece is named for the Swedish dramatic soprano Christine Nilsson, #musichall #songsheetsaturday
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VictorianLondon @victorianlondon.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
wartime Soho, the Bouillabase Club in New Compton Street
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
A talk about Ivy Benson, Britain's forgotten wartime bandleader, who broke new ground for female musicians in the 20th century. Join us at the CAA in Covent Garden on 22nd September. #musichallmonday
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
Today's song sheet is the cheeky little ditty"You Show Me Your Slate" by C.G. Cotes & Felix McGlennon and sung by the equally cheeky Madge Ellis. "Madge Ellis came on the stage with bare legs" Music Hall & Theatre Review #SongsheetSaturday #MusicHall
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Standawhile @standawhile.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
I had a great time at the @musichallsociety.bsky.social Archive Day last Friday @lambetharchives.bsky.social where I got up close and personal with Bud Flanagan’s battered old fur coat. Strictly no touching, but I was intrigued by the fastening made from a black sink plug.
Battered fur coat laid out on a table, nestled in tissue paper.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
As it's now August and the height of holiday season let's take a nostalgic trip back to when Summer Seasons really were Summer Seasons. This video is delightful! youtu.be/5L11jLBpF6M?... #musichallmonday #summerseason
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Edwardian Music Hall Song (You can do a lot of things at the seaside...)
Have you ever noticed when you're by the sea The things that you can do there with impunity? If we did the same things when we're up in town Moral Mrs Grundy on her face would wear a frown, Father,…
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
See more great photos and videos from Urban Explorers on our Blog Page - streathamhilltheatre.org/urban-expl…
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Here's a jolly little ditty inspired by the 1923 silent movie "Ashes of Vengeance". The film is about the day Catherine de Medici ordered the extermination of the Huguenots. Has anyone heard the song? You can view the movie, starring Norma Talmadge online. #songsheetsaturday
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A very successful Archive Collection ‘on show’ @lambetharchives.bsky.social today. The theme was duos & double-acts, from the very famous to the less well known, on stage & off stage partnerships #musichall #variety
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Alison Young @youngalison.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Seeing as I am in Liverpool for #BAVS2026 speaking about #musichall it would be rude not to pop into the Walker Art Gallery to check out their Sickert masterpiece
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
#SongSheetSaturday - France is the theme today with the sheet music for 'Mademoiselle' a song waltz written and performed by South African born duo Max Nesbitt (1903-1966) and Harry Nesbitt (1905-1968) in 1933. The cover features British stage and screen actress Dorothy Ward (1890-1987). #Variety
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
#MusicHallMonday - We are very lucky to be joined by Ex-Players Theatre performer Jacquie Toye in an interview segment of our next talk 'Players Please! Part IV! Don't miss out on an enjoyable evening and book now with tickets available via Ticketsource www.ticketsource.com/britishmusic...
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Postcard From The Past @pastpostcard.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Don't forget your tennis racket. Have you got any balls?
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VictorianLondon @victorianlondon.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Hackney's best 2-for-1 deal
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
We would love to talk to you about our activities at our next Campaign Meeting at 8:00pm this Wednesday. Details on how to join are here - streathamhilltheatre.org/events
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
#SongSheetSaturday - Last week's World Cup theme continues with mention of countries currently competing and a flavour of Switzerland from 1919 in 'Tony the Swiss Mountaineer' a song about scaling Alpine heights. Performed by Lancashire comedian George Bass (1888-1928) #Music Hall #Variety #Swiss
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Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Yesterday we announced the removal of Leith Theatre from our Theatres at Risk Register, so it is only right that Leith Theatre is today’s Fifty@50 theatre ⭐️ Find out more www.theatrestrust.org.uk/latest/news/... 📸 Courtesy of Leith Theatre #TheatresAtRisk #Scotland
Musicians perform to an audience 'in-the-round' on the auditorium floor. Fifty@50 logo in top right with title Leith Theatre.
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Anthony Binns @anthonybinns.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
BBC News - Four historic London theatres on at risk register www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Theatres Trust warns four historic London theatres are at risk
Theatres Trust warns that the four London venues need urgent support to secure their future.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
#SongSheetSaturday - With England playing Mexico this weekend and World Cup Fever in the air it seems apt that this week's cover has a football theme. 'At the Football Match Last Saturday', a song written by the comedian and singer Mark Sheridan (1864-1918)- recorded in 1905. #MusicHall #Football
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Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre @streathamhillt.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
More information can be found on our Blog Page - tinyurl.com/SHTACV
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Theatres Trust @theatrestrust.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We're celebrating #NationalSeaSideDay with a closer look at our connection to Shanklin Theatre, the next to feature on our Fifty@50 list 🏖️ Find out how we helped the coastal town's community to save its locally-loved theatre www.theatrestrust.org.uk/how-we-help/... 📸 Courtesy of the theatre
Performer facing downstage stands with arms wide, the audience are cheering behind in their seats. The Fifty@50 logo is in the top righthand corner with title Shanklin Theatre, Isle of Wight.
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Happy #nationalseasideday! Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...tiddly-om-pom-pom 🎵
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
For #SongSheetSaturday & Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 - Norah Blaney & Gwen Farrar (real-life couple) performing in André Charlot's 192e revue "YES..!" Their advice holds up:
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British Music Hall Society @musichallsociety.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
For #MusicHallMonday a wonderful item from our ELLA Shields Collection (currently being catalogued) - a torn song sheet and a note to the pianist - 'figure this out yourself' Let's Call It A Day! #musichall #ExploreYourArchive
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