Abertillery History

Frank Dickinson. Frank Dickinson was at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery and signed Mrs Willis’s book, he wrote a message wishing Mrs Willis well and dated it the 4th February 1914.  Frank Dickinson was a native of Yorkshire and a Basso – An operatic bass singer.  (More information to come).

Leslie Parker. Leslie Parker was at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery,  the book was signed with the inscription “Happy Days”, though nothing else. (More information to come).

M. Parker. M. Parker was at Metropole Theatre, Abertillery and signed the book at the boarding house. Sadly not dated. (More information to come).

Gabrielle Gordon. Gabrielle Gordon appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery in the production of “The Belle of New York” in October 1913. Gabrielle Gordon was a American actress, she was at Mrs Willis’s boarding house and signed the book on 16th October 1913. (More information to come).    

Gaby Fay. Gaby Fay was Dorothy Fay Hammerton (Born 26th September 1893 – Died 23rd June 1973). Dorothy Fay Hammerton was professionally known as Fay Holden, a British born American based actress. She was known as Gaby Fay in her early career. Born in Birmingham, England Gaby Fay later travelled and performed in many theatres during her early career. In …

Patricia Ray? Patrica Ray? appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery in the A. E. Smiths Bo Peep Co in February 1914. She signed the book with a little adage and stating she was 3rd girl in the production. (More information to come).

Doris Snowdon. Doris Snowdon appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery in the A. E. Smiths Bo Peeps Co as 2nd boy. Doris was a part of a duo with Rene Snowdon and were dancers. Sadly the autographs were not dated. The report (as seen above) is from the Runcorn Guardian dated 21st July 1914. (More information to come).

Rene Snowdon. Rene Snowdon appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery in the A. E. Smiths Bo Peep Co in February 1914. Doris was a part of a duo with Rene Snowdon and were dancers. Sadly the autographs were not dated. The report (as seen above) is from the Runcorn Guardian dated 21st July 1914. Rene Snowdon signed the book with …

The Clancy Girls. The Clancy Girls were Mamie and Elsie Clancy, advertised as being clever duettists and acrobatic dancers. They appeared at the Metropole, Abertillery on 1st January 1914. I believe they also appeared at the theatre again in February 1914. (More information to come).

Bessie Osborne. Bessie Osborne appeared at the Metropole Theatre, Abertillery, she featured in the production of “Life for a Life” with Olive Melba and it seems with Madge Trevelyan who were all at the boarding house together on the same dates.  Bessie Osborne (as seen left) was a native of Liverpool, her father was Charles Osborne and her mother was …