Gracie and george Formby were superstars, filmstars, variety artists. they were more modern in approach than the music hall acts - both played huge theatres an enjoyed Royal Patronage. Like chaplin - they had their start in music hall, but became something a bit different.

Music Hall is generally reckoned to have happened, at a rough guess between 1859 and 1920 = although it struggled on in some form for another twenty odd years.

The geniuses of the form are generally reckoned to be Dan Leno, George Robey, Vesta Tilley. Little tICH and others. there are films of some of these guys.

If you can, get hold of the work of a Birmingham music hall revivalist duo called Cosmotheka. No longer active due the death of one party - but their work was a revelation to many of us of the richness of our legacy. they had the tightest slickest act on the folkscene in the 1970's. Totally brilliant.

There numerous Music hall societies round Britain.