That's entertainment

The end of the 19th century saw the rise of 'popular music'. The modern song, with its verse and chorus, spread from music hall and variety theatre into film - assisted by radio and the record industry.

Programme, the Ruislip Operatic Society production of ‘Blitz!’, 2010
Programme, the Ruislip Operatic Society production of 'Blitz!', 2010
Scottish singer Harry Lauder (1870-1950), himself a music hall performer, recorded for Hayes company HMV. Described by Winston Churchill as 'Scotland's greatest ever ambassador', he was the first British artist to sell one million records. One of his most famous songs was 'Roamin' in the Gloamin'.

Jessie Matthews (1907-1981) opened the Barra Hall Park bandstand. She was born behind a Soho butcher's shop, one of 16 children, and later starred in several Hollywood musicals, becoming known as 'the dancing divinity'. She was the first performer of Cole Porter's classic song, 'Let's Do It'. She is buried at St Martin's Church, Ruislip.

Musical theatre has been an important educational activity. In the 1970s, several local schools took part in London Weekend Television's 'All That Jazz' project - its aim to present Bible stories musically, 'in a unique and refreshing way'.

More recently, the Compass Theatre has produced regular musicals, from Cabaret to Godspell and Grease.

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Page last updated: 02 Aug 2022
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