Top of the Bill: Music Hall and Variety

Malcolm Jones

The urban population across Britain exploded in the 19th century and demanded entertaining. The music halls grew out of the pubs and song and supper clubs and was a truly working-class entertainment. The songs reflected the lives of its audience and the stars were the celebrities of the day. In the 20th century Music Hall developed into Variety theatre and served the population with its wonderfully eclectic mixture of acts from singers to magicians, eccentric dancers and comedians.  Later on many of these stars began to use film and radio as a way to reach a wider audience.

Malcolm Jones was Workshop and Events Manager for the V&A Theatre Museum for 10 years curating a programme of classes and events and interviewing many important actors and directors including variety artists like Roy Hudd, Barry Cryer, Jack Tripp, June Whitfield and Liz Fraser. He continues to lecture on the V&A programme of short courses. He has also lectured for many drama schools including RADA and Mountview and worked for the Royal Opera House, Ambassador Theatre Group and lectured American Theatre Groups visiting the UK.