The Novelty Minstrels

A prominent place in a well-varied programme at the Hippodrome is taken by Conrad's Novelty Minstrels those 'Half Scotch' providers of much merriment. Their choruses are sung with vim, the jest and by-play provide much mirth, and the musical side is not neglected. (Sheffield Independent Tuesday 21 April, 1914)

There is an attractive programme here this week. Carl Hertz shares the head of the bill, presenting numerous cleverly arranged illusions, among those most deserving of praise being the "Shell Nymph", "The Merry Widow", and "Pretty Polly", and as his assistant Emile d'Alton is decidedly praiseworthy. Con Conrad's Novelty Minstrels also provide a leading item on the programme. Bert Leighton scores as the interlocutor and sings excellent numbers are well applauded, one most appreciated being that of the violinist, Mr. Jack Terrie. James Willard is responsible for a powerful little dramatic episode Not all the King's Horses, which is well-played and staged. Edith England is pleasing as a contralto, while admirable entertainment of another quality comes from the comic juggling of Richard Wally, who is showing some smart tricks. Rokby is highly amusing, as is Hal Bert. Bert Danson is successful with "Boosters Billions." Mr Fred Camp is the musical director and Mr Charles Marte the manager. (The Stage - Thursday 07 May 1914)

(The Stage - Thursday 30 July 1914)

Novelty Minstrels at Hammersmith Palace are featuring 'In the Garden of My Heart,' and 'In My Harem.' (The Stage Thursday 10 September 1914)

Audiences are paying full attention to Mr. George Parry's excellent programme at the Tottenham Palace this week. Con Conrad's Novelty Minstrels are back again delighting the house with their distinctly original act. The incongruity of members of the "chosen race" appearing in kilts appeals strongly to everyone's sense of humour, and this show goes with a swing from beginning to end. The McNaughtons occupy a prominent place on the bill, and are in fine form the audience finding their humour irresistible. Carlisle and Willmott the popular composers with their duets, and the clever violin playing of Rialdo who is a great favourite at Tottenham is another item in the programme worthy of special praise. (The Stage - Thursday 12 November 1914)

The holiday bill here is headed by Conrad's Novelty Minstrels who, in songs, duets and dances, cause a regular furore. The Six Crazy Sailors in their acrobatic act, cause hearty laughter. Bertram Banks is one of the best child mimics that have appeared at this house. An old Belfast favourite Will H. Fox the smart comedy pianist is also making his first appearance at this house, and does as well as ever. Bert Terrell in his butch songs and dances is also very acceptable. (The Stage - Thursday 24 December 1914)

An attractive programme is again submitted by Con Conrad's Novelty Minstrels are a mirth and musical combination of versatile art who appear in fantastical costumes, and perform effectively of the visible feelings of the audience. Francis and Alfred are skilful jugglers who score a success. The Sisters Mestrys Belgian acrobats are heartily applauded for clever revolving trapeze work. How Mac Joined the Sodgers, a Scotch composition with a patriotic flavour is well received. Olga Sloan comedienne is popular. The Gann Graphic is a pleasing feature of the programme. (The Stage - Thursday 4 March 1915)

(The Stage - Thursday 20 May 1915)

(The Stage - Thursday 27 May 1915)

There is not a dull moment in the programme which Mr. Pierre Cohen is offering this week at the Euston, and in spite of the War and the almost tropical weather conditions a steady level of business is being maintained. Those merry, eccentric Hebrew-Scotsmen, Con Conrad's Novelty Minstrels are given a leading place in the bill, and plenty of fun is provided while they are before the footlights. All is not fun of course in their act, for it contains some excellent instrumental and vocal music from Jules Gaillard and W. Penrose as well as taking sentimental part-song called "Memories" and a pleasant note of contrast is struck thereby. The clever work of Wm. Maremi also must not be forgotten. Hebrew comedians of another class are to hand in Gilday and Fox, whose latest act with its smart patter and fine vocalism, is given one of the biggest receptions of the evening, and is invariably encored. C. Fielding Davies, assisted by Barbera Everest and Basil Dyne, are responsible for considerable mirth in the surprise sketch called What Happened in Room 13, while Randolph King proves his artistic versatility as a character actor and skill as a quick change artist in his highly acceptable sketch entitled Fun in a Wigshop. The Three Centrals contribute some smart skipping rope dancing, followed by their eccentric top-hat dance, and Arthur Woodville sings a couple of light-comedy songs in dashing style. Mr Woodville is also an eccentric dancer, and his songs are accomplished by many novel features. Others on the bill are Rosie Hayes, a bright comedienne; Hugaue a Scottish humorist, and John McNally's company, including Gwenda Wren and Reginald St. John, in Bernard Parry's naval sketch, Navy Blue, which with its stirring patriotic sentiments and exciting knuckle fight, is vociferously applauded. The Bioscope exhibits some up to date pictures, and Mr Walter Greco's orchestra does good work during the evening. (The Stage - Thursday 10 June 1915)

(The Stage - Thursday 09 March 1916)

(The Stage - Thursday 23 March 1916)

(The Stage - Thursday 20 April 1916)

Jack Norworth has a good reception here in several new songs. Nina Gordon is a clever mimic, and De Biere has a smart display of illusions. The Novelty Minstrels are well received. Included in the company are Vm. Martini, a clever tenor; and Max Vanen, a capital violinist, Zalla and Charles Grantley also appear. (The Stage - Thursday 11 May 1916)

San Brothers "In the Trenches", Novelty Minstrels. (The Stage - Thursday 18 January 1917)

A departure from the usual bill is the appearance here of Horatio Bottomley, who on Monday gave the opening of a series of addresses on the War in its various aspects. Gilbert Payne supplies a very good turn in his truly humourus songs and patter. The Novelty Minstrels are no strangers here, and their rollicking show goes well. Costa and Gee perform a clever trapeze act. Effie Mann delights everyone with her fine rendering of pleasing songs. (The Stage - Thursday 01 February 1917)

(The Stage - Thursday 01 March 1917)

A large and delighted audience filled this popular house in every part on Monday. Winifred Ward is as great a favourite as ever, and affords her many admirers unmistakeable pleasure by her capital rendering of "When the boys came marching home" and other numbers. There is nothing half-hearted about the reception of Niblo and Doris. Their clever dancing is a striking feature of their turn, and they are invariably recalled. The Four Royal Scots present their new musical sketch into which they introduce some enjoyable vocal and instrumental numbers. Some lively dancing and amusing patter are also contributed with excellent effect. Riley's Wonders in playing at pantomime make a good impression, and Albert Atlas and Lizzie Collins are entertaining as well as amusing. Marie Collins has a good song in Nelly Brown. Rendered with spirit and equipped with a chorus with plenty of swing, she quickly has the audience joining in the refrain. The Novelty Minstrels in At the Front fully justify their title. The idea of a number of Jews enlisting in a Highland regiment has undoubtedly a degree of originality about it, and their amusing business certainly found favour with Monday's audience. Mr. J. Murray Herriott is the manager at the Euston. (The Stage - Thursday 06 March 1919)

(The Stage - Thursday 24 April 1919)