Manchester Music Hall Association

09/05/2023

Still time to book for this spiffing show. Looking forward to tonight’s entertainment. Pip Pip!

Lords Anthony Mason and Michael Holmes are pleased to be making a return visit to the Plaza in their Bentley car, by popular demand (their Lordships like the idea anyway). They cordially invite you…

28/02/2022

Don’t miss this spiffing show, as featured at the Twinwood Vintage Festival 2019. Full of laughs, songs and possible jollity, there are also some surprises in store!
Top hats and spats not compulsory but feel free to dress in style. Pip Pip!

🎹 The Dear Boys cordially invite you to their musical extravaganza!

Join Lords Anthony Mason and Michael Holmes on Wed 23 March as they share some of Noel Coward’s classic songs, anecdotes and witty asides in their very own eccentric evening. Expect to hear songs such as Mad Dogs and Englishmen, London Pride and Mrs Worthington.

🎟️ Visit our website to book 👉 https://bit.ly/3v7AEXj

22/07/2021

Sad news to relate. We were notified of the death of Pam Kellett on Tuesday. Wife of the late Frank Kellett, a long standing member of the Association who was one of the last of the Manchester Minstrels, Pam was a supporter for many years. Our thoughts go to her daughter, Sally.

As if that wasn’t enough, we were notified of the death of actor and entertainer Bobby King this morning at the age of 99, just a month before his 100th birthday.
Still working prior to the covid lockdown last year, Bobby had a long career as pantomime dame, comedian and character actor, latterly being seen mostly in the Rovers Return on Coronation Street, and performing for local groups.
He was also a great stalwart supporter of the Association, and always available at the drop of the hat to regale all with anecdotes and routines from his career. We send best wishes to his wife Bette and family.

03/09/2017

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 5th September at the Britons Protection, Great Bridgewater St, Manchester.
It will feature our member and accompanist Michael Holmes.
Michael is a collector of memorabilia related to music hall and variety (among other things). He will be bringing some of his collection on Tuesday, and will be talking about the items in a talk called "Memorabilia".
All welcome, admission £5 starting at 8.30pm. Hope to see you there for what should be an interesting meeting!

01/08/2017

Tonight's meeting featured our friend from the Stockport Plaza, David Blake, giving us his 'Music Hall Desert Island Discs.
Music hall material from Florrie Forde and Harry Lauder were first on the list, followed by Billy Williams and Will Fyffe. Olly Oakley followed on banjo.
In the second half we heard Whit Cunliffe first of all, a name not well known these days. And then David did a bit of a tribute to the Blackpool scene with references to 'On With the Show' on the North Pier. We heard an excerpt from the 1928 show, followed by Marius Winter's Band playing a selection from the 1931 show. Finally we heard Gracie Fields sing 'Just a Catchy Little Tune'. All in all a very interesting evening. We were also pleased to see Ian and his wife from Carnforth, joining us for the first time.

03/06/2017

It's turned out nice again! At considerable expense, we've managed to engage the talented Anthony Mason to perform for us on Tuesday 6th June.
He'll be performing as George Formby junior and senior, and probably Noel Coward (and himself) as well. Ably accompanied by Michael Holmes.
Four performers for the price of one!
Usual venue of the Britons Protection, Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester (by Gmex). Admission £5. Starts at 8.30. See you then!

04/04/2017

An excellent night tonight with a talk on pantomime by Roger Holmes. Lots of reminiscences of shows seen at places including Bradford Alhambra, Doncaster Grand and South Yorkshire civic theatres. A little low on numbers tonight but a very interesting evening.

25/02/2017

If you're free next Wednesday evening, why not pop down to the Stockport Plaza to see one of the Association's stalwart members give a talk on his life in entertainment. It's sure to be a great night.

08/02/2017

Very sad news today.

Along with writing partner Ray Galton, Alan Simpson created sitcoms including Hancock's Half Hour.

06/12/2016

It's Christmas party night at the Music Hall tonight. Our entertainer is the ever popular Allan Joshua with his songs from the shows and opera. An excellent night!