William “Billy” Dooley, born in Northampton, appeared in the thirties as comedy conjurer Billy Dooley. He made his British Ring Convention debut in 1933 at the third Convention in Northampton. Later he became Benson Dulay a professional comedy illusionist touring the UK variety theatres in the forties and fifties. He made many appearances in Hull . , Gordon Watts, former HMC member, ex-entertainment officer for Hull City Council and British Ring Shield winner, says that he was one of two locally recruited schoolboys who appeared in Benson Dulay’s comedy Head Chopper routine at The Tivoli Theatre. The act also featured a black school boy (who toured with the act) whose trousers fell down as he made his “escape” from the Chopper. Benson Dulay invented Multum in Parvo (the well known liquid and glasses trick) which Burtini (Birmingham based dealer and manufacturer) popularised in 1947 winning the 1948 FISM First Prize for Invention. Benson inscribed this picture – “To my friend Bert. Good Luck Pal. Benson Dulay”.

(Additional information from Whaley’s Who’s Who In Magic). Bert was the first President of HMC and he collected many photographs of Music Hall performers when they appeared in Hull.

Edward Victor (1887-1964)

Edward Victor had a long and highly successful career. From his beginnings as an entertainer at private parties he turned to stage work and regular appearances at St George’s Hall after his first, trial week, appearance in October 1914. He excelled in Manipulative Magic and Shadowgraphy. Known to his friends as Teddy, his real name was Edward Victor Neuschwander. His parents were Swiss. He often played the role of Abanazar in the traditional Aladdin pantomime. His version of the Cut and Restored Rope has become a standard magic effect and he wrote three excellent books on sleight of hand magic. This picture inscribed ‘To Bert, Best Wishes, Ted & Sybil Victor’ is part of a composite publicity photograph showing two sections of a ring on rope routine and entitled ‘Victor et Mlle. Sybil’.

Born May 8th 1915. Of the many magicians who appeared at the Tivoli Theatre in Hull, Douglas Francis was one of the most popular with his act On The Way Home. There have been many drunk acts and Douglas Francis’ was a classic example, playing the part of a late-night reveller in the street clinging onto a lamppost. Douglas has signed this to Bert - All the very best from Douglas Francis ‘Still on the Way Home’. It is interesting that Bert Dexter himself often performed as a drunk.Douglas Francis was born in Liverpool, his real name according to Bart Whaley was Douglas Francis Jones. He wrote two magical booklets Right Under Your Nose and Spectator’s Choice published in 1947 and 1953 respectively.

Born John, known as Jack, Milton was inspired at age five, obtained a box of tricks at age ten and made his magical debut at age fourteen. After a spell in the drapery business he became a professional in 1937 and toured with great success being particularly known for his “Wonder Bar” act. The Fred and Dorothy referred to are of course Bert and his wife (Bert’s real name was Fred Sowerby). Rita later became Rita Budd, partner to David Budd touring a very polished silent act with silks and flowers, ‘Magic in Lavender’. Milton became British Ring IBM President in 1963 but died in office.

Jack Kinson and Mary with their production of real mice, were at The Tivoli in June 1942 when Bert collected their autographed picture. [Read More]

Jay Palmer began his performing career assisting Houdini and Leon in the 1920s. His real name was William J “Willie” Burns and he was born in Nashville, Tennessee, 1 Nov 1899. Later with his wife and partner, Doreen, from Liverpool, they toured the USA, UK and Europe with their Magic Kettle Act. In the act Doreen, known as “Lydy ’Awkins”, provided the comedy element. Arthur recalls them performing at The Tivoli Theatre in Hull, Doreen wore a long velvet dress with workman’s boots. If liquid was spilt, she would use her dress to mop the stage. In 1950 and 1951 they won the Comedy Prize at FISM. Jay died in 1970.

Deveen with his trademark mask was a clever manipulator of cards and cigarettes performing between 1920 and 1960. He made many visits to Hull’s variety theatres. Pictured here with two of his “New York Blondes” who Arthur Setterington says sometimes appeared nude in the dying days of variety when posing shows and nude revue were tried to attract dwindling audiences. Arthur says he only watched the magic! The picture is inscribed “To Fred with all good wishes, Deveen, 1946”. Fred of course being Bert Dexter’s real name. David Deveen’s real name was A W Parsons he was born in London in 1900 and died in 1989. He wrote two books on cigarette manipulation. In 1929 and 1932.