The Portsmouth Music Scene
Bobby Collins

Bobby Collins A local boy made good. As a youngster, featured in many local shows, including the Coliseum Theatre in Edinburgh Road, followed by a long career in show business. In later years, he ran a very succsesful Photography Business in Southsea. Bobby Collins Comedian. Born Bow, London, 1935. I never saw Bobby but Philip remembers: `He began as a boy vocalist at the age of seven. When his voice broke he turned to comedy and scored a big success at the Prince of Wales London. Sensing he had little chance of becoming a star here he emigrated to Australia where he received the recognition he desired.' From Roy Hudd's book, Cavalcade of Variety Acts 1945-60. The Bobby Collins Story, 25th July 1952 July 1952 13th August 1954 Theatre Royal Portsmouth 2nd June 1953 Theatre Royal Portsmouth 2nd June 1953 On stage anbd publicity shots The lighting instrution board handed to the theatre 'sparks' no Blues until the last scene and because of the make-up worn, Bobby's skin colour changed to black, and he sang Al Jolson songs Theatre Royal Portsmouth 13th February 1950 on Opportunity Knocks with Hughie Green Two sides of the record by Bobbie(miss-spelt) Collins, of course it should be Bobby Collins Bobby's known Radio and TV Broadcasts 12 August 1951 15.15 SUMMER SHOWTIME Seaside entertainment presenting some leading artists appearing at holiday resorts this summer This week the spotlight falls on Ramsgate and Margate and picks out From Ramsgate: Leon Cortez Doreen Harris Sonny Farrar BOBBY COLLINS appearing in ' Rise and Shine ' at the Granville Theatre (Continued in next column) From Margate: Bunny Baron Harry Arnold appearing in ' Sunshine and Smiles' presented by Jack Payne and Will Hammer at the Lido Theatre Norman Harper appearing in ' Seaside Rhapsody ' presented by New Embassy Productions at the Hippodrome Fred Gwyn Pamela Cundell appearing in Cecil Johnson 's Entertainers at the Oval At the pianos : Winifred Taylor and Kathleen O'Hagan Presented by John Ellison BBC Home Service Basic 16 July 1953 19.00 Leon Cortez in 'APPY ARF 'OUR with Freddie Bamberger and Pam the guest stars and Doreen Harris Nat Gonella, BOBBY COLLINS The Four Barrow Boys The Leon Cortez Pals Band Produced by George Inns BBC Home Service Basic 12 August 1953 19.30 Leon Cortez in 'APPY 'ARF 'OUR with Max Wall the guest star and Doreen Harris Nat Gonella BOBBY COLLINS The Four Barrow Boys BBC Revue Orchestra Conductor, Harry Rabinowitz Produced by George Inns Light Programme 14 August 1953 21.15 COME IN AND SING with the folks of London's East End featuring Max WaN David Whitfield BOBBY COLLINS Larry Maoari and Glyn Jones Your hostess, Jean Metcalfe Accompanist, George Myddleton Louis Voss and his Orchestra Production by Alfred Dunning and Glyn Jones From the Civic Theatre, Poplar BBC Television 31 December 1953 13.20 All-Star ANNIVERSARY BANDBOX from the Camberwell Palace, London with Kay Cavendish, Harry Locke Hal Monty, Beryl Reid, Derek Roy Dorothy Squires, BOBBY COLLINS The Johnston Singers Billy Ternent, and his Orchestra Compered by Bruce Wyndham Produced by George Inns Light Programme 14 March 1955 12.20 MIDDAY MUSIC-HALL The Song Pedlars Tommy Brandon A Note or Two from BOBBY COLLINS Charmian Innes Something To Sing About Andrew Cole Stan Stennett Compere, Jack Watson Augmented BBC Variety Orchestra Conductor, Paul Fenoulhet Produced by Jacques Brown Light Programme 22 July 1955 19.45 THE CENTRE SHOW Introduced by Billy Maxam with Jimmy Edmunson Rosemary Shires Tony Sherwood Michael Holliday BOBBY COLLINS Jerry Harris Music directed by Ted Marsh Produced by Albert Stevenson From the Nuffield Centre before an audience of H.M. Forces See page 15 BBC One London - Link to Bobby Collins film -

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