Author Topic: Minstrels  (Read 1463 times)

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Offline DVT

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Minstrels
« on: June 06, 2017, 01:08:44 pm »
Can anyone help with any info on this group - the Nigger Minstrels - we suspect that my wife's late uncle is one of them - from the mid 1930's in Colwyn Bay.

I know it's not politically correct these days but that is what they were called back then and we cannot change history - we do have a couple of programmes for their shows as well.


Offline SteveH

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Re: Minstrels
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2017, 01:52:10 pm »
Not much help but I found these details.....
Happy valley llandudno
1873 - the “Nigger Minstrels” arrive
1886 - Joe Perry takes over with his Happy Valley Minstrels, not blacked up!  A primitive stage is built. He performs with his troupe for 19 years
1904 - Perry dies but his troupe struggles on for a further year
1906 – one of Perry’s players, Will Churchill, sets up his own minstrels, with blacked up faces. A stage is erected in the form of a castle. Dressing rooms are provided. Entertainments are mainly songs, ballads, ditties and verses
1930 - Roy Cowel with his “Cowel’s Querries” end the tradition of blacking up. His show has ladies in it, with dancing added to the mix