E H WILLIAMS’ MERRIE MEN OF RHYL: A Minstrel Troupe

This book is the first comprehensive history of E.H.WILLIAMS' Merrie Men of Rhyl. A minstrel troupe which achieved considerable popularity in the North Wales seaside town of Rhyl at the turn of the 20th century. The troupe featured up to 16 singers, dancers, musicians and comedians. Many of them top entertainers of their day. Off season the troupe would tour many of the towns of the North of England and the Midlands with great success. The nature of minstrelsy as a form of entertainment is discussed in some detail. This book also includes details of the Rhyl troupes that preceded E.H.Willams' version of the Merrie Men. Also covered are other artistes who appeared in Rhyl during the Edwardian period and the reasons for the troupes eventual demise in 1906. There are over 40 illustrations plus a list of 80 artistes known to have appeared with the troupe including Jack Hylton, Jimmy Charters, Joe Huda, Ernie Mayne, S.W. Wyndham and the author's great uncle, Charlie Drew.