https://youtube/watch?v=6qU75Xgmlww My Great Grandfather Thomas Tinsley gave Harry Lauder his big break in Music hall. Thomas Tinsley was the chairman of Gattis Music Halls in London x Extract from Harry Lauders Autobiography Roamin in the Gloamin 1928, On his first London appearance at Gattis, Westminster Bridge Road, and on meeting its manager Tom Tinsley. By George - theres a man weve not seen! said Munroe, suddenly, as we sat, verra glum and silent. Whos that? I asked. Tom Tinsley - the best fellow in London. Youll like him, whether he can do anything for you or not. Ill hail him - He did, and Mr. Tinsley came over toward our table. I liked his looks. Hes the manager of Gattis, in the Westminster Bridge Road, whispered Munroe. Know it? I knew it as one of the smaller halls, but one with a decided reputation for originality and interesting bills, owing to the personality of its manager, who was never afraid to do a new thing that was out of the ordinary. I was glad I was going to meet him. Heres Harry Lauder, he wants to meet you Tom, said Munroe. Shake hands with him. Youre both good fellows. Tinsley was as cordial as he could be. We sat and chatted for a bit, and I managed to banish my depression, and keep up my end of the conversation, bad as I felt. But when, Munroe put in a word about my business in London I saw a shadow come over Tinsleys face. I could guess how many times in a day he had to meet ambitious, struggling artists. So youre here looking for a shop, hey? he said, turning to me. His manner was still pleasant enough, but much of his effusive cordiality had vanished. But I was not to be cast down. Whats your line? Scotch comedian, I said. I---- He raised his hand, and laughed. Stop right there - thats done the trick! Youve said enough. Now, look here, my dear boy, dont be angry, but theres no use. Weve had Scotch comedians here in London before, and theyre no good to us. I wish I could help you, but I really cant risk it. But youve not heard me sing, I said. Im different frae them ye talk of. Why not let me sing you a bit song and see if yell not think sae yersel? I tell ye its no use, he said, a little impatiently. I know What my audiences like and what they dont. Thats why I keep my hall going these days. But Munroe spoke up in my favor, too; discouraging though he was we were getting more notice from Tinsley than we had had frae any o the ithers! Ye can judge by that hoo theyd handled us. Oh, come, Tom, said Munroe. It wont take much of your time to hear the man sing a song, you do as much for all sorts of people every week. As a favor to me - come, now---- Well, if you put it like that, said Tinsley, reluctantly. He turned to me. All right, Scotty, he said. Drop around to my office at half past four and Ill see whats to be done for you. You can thank this nuisance of a Munroe for that - though itll do you no good in the long run, youll find, and just waste your time as well as mine!
Posted on: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 18:53:47 +0000