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Wonderful memories

Published Tuesday 2 December 2008 at 11:30

I take exception to Patrick Newley’s article (page 52, November 20) regarding “the whole load of crap acts in variety working the number two or three bills”. As well as working the number ones (Moss and Stoll Empires) in the days of variety, revue and pantomime, I also worked on the number two and three venues around London and the provinces with wonderful talented and clever acts, twice-nightly and matinees when every act had to have band parts for each of the 12-piece orchestras, and we always had to wear proper five and nine make-up.

As regards to unfunny comics, they were at least clean and didn’t rely on utter filth and swear words to get their laughs from, as many of today’s so-called comedians and comediennes do. In the variety theatres, there were notices in the dressing rooms warning comedians not to swear or use blue material or they would not work the rest of the week.

I never came across “off-key sopranos or deadly boring spesh acts” - they would never get a booking if they were as bad as that. Theatres were packed with family audiences - until TV came along - who looked forward to their weekly variety entertainment.

They were the best years of my life, working with fellow pros, the smell of the greasepaint as you entered the stage door, wonderful memories.

I am now 82 and semi-retired, doing the odd show now and then. Anyway, although Patrick is a friend of mine, with respect, what does he know about the days of variety? He probably was in his nappies then!

Billy Moore

Ex-Equity councillor and Variety Artistes Council

Collingwood Close

Eastbourne

East Sussex

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