Tag Archives: Music Hall

How Houdini made Croydon churn with his staged escape act

Posted on September 20, 2026 by insidecroydon

CROYDON CHRONICLES: Croydon’s Music Halls attracted some of the world’s most famous acts in the early 20th Century, including the man reckoned to be the greatest escapologist of all time, as DAVID MORGAN explains Memory is a wonderful gift. The … Continue reading →

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‘Chinese’ magician who died on stage, shot by his own gun

Posted on August 30, 2026 by insidecroydon

CROYDON CHRONICLES: Theatres in the town attracted some of the world’s biggest Vaudeville stars in the early 20th Century, including the mysterious Chung Ling Soo. DAVID MORGAN discovered more from the archives Many great entertainers have trodden the boards in … Continue reading →

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Music Hall performer whose potato song helped the war effort

Posted on March 15, 2026 by insidecroydon

CROYDON CHRONICLES: Musical director of the Croydon Empire theatre enjoyed a colourful career and played a part in the community, writes DAVID MORGAN A century ago, long before we had mass media in our living rooms and at our finger … Continue reading →

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The man who made shopping at Kennards feel a bit magical

Posted on January 26, 2025 by insidecroydon

SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT: A former Music Hall performer used his modelling genius to brighten the lives of countless children in one Croydon department store, while creating famous stage dummies including Archie Andrews and Lord Charles. DAVID MORGAN looks back on the … Continue reading →

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