Back again. For those who would like to hear a live performance of 'Burlington Bertie from Bow' recorded in 1950 by the original singer, Ella Shields, go to the the Music Hall Magazine website www.mysite.freeserve.com/music hall (sorry, I can't do the clicky bit) and order a copy of a CD called 'Live Music Hall' from Tony Barker.

This is the 1914 song, not the earlier 'Burlington Bertie' sung by Vesta Tilley.

Ellas Shields recorded 'BB from B' half a dozen times between 1915 and1950 and this one came at a time when she was knocking on a bit, but a recording in a real music hall (Collins's, Isligton) with a real music hall audience has a special flavour lacking in all the others.

(Apologies obscure technical language.   "Knocking on" is English for "approaching senior citizenship")