[Edward Stewart-Humphries and his mother relocated from Cornwall to London in 1903 where he initially worked as a pantry-man at the Constitutional Club. Of the performers he names in the listening experience, all were singers except for the comedian Harry Tate]

Bert, aged about 19 was our third hand. He was a strong chap with a red porcine face and a thick neck. I think Bert was a countryman but knew London well, especially its many Music Halls. He was, I suppose, the equivalent of the Pop Group fan of today and spent all his spare time and money in tracking down his beloved Victoria Monks, Marie Lloyd and the inimitable Vesta Tilly [sic].

Following Bert’s lead I too derived much pleasure in visiting at least one of the many West End Music Halls each week. In no time I had seen and admired several leading Artistes including George Robey, Vesta Tilly [sic], Harry Tate and Victoria Monks, to name but a few. 

All were highly professional and their strong personalities evident in their different styles in presenting their acts. The large number of Music Halls then in London enabled them to “top the Bill” for several weeks running.