1953
January 2nd Reggie Goff and his Sextet play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 5th At the Kings Theatre, pantomime with Dick Whittington.
At the Theatre Royal Carroll Levis and his discoveries plus Violet Pretty and the Teen-agers.
At the Empire, Dan Leno Jr. stars in Red Riding Hood.
The Portsmouth and District Pembroke County Club have a New Year’s Dance at the Rock garden Pavilion with music from The Gonzolians Dance band.
January 9th Courtenay Castle brings the Court School of Dancing to Portsmouth at the Cumberland Rooms, Eastney Road.
Portsmouth Evening News advert for the Court Ballroom that opened on January 9th. 1953
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Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 10th Saturday, Terry Flynn and his Band play at the Unity Hall.
January 11th A series of Municipal concerts begin at the Theatre Royal, with many local musicians in the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.
January 12th Soldiers in Skirts, at the Theatre Royal is an all-male comedy show.
January 15th Frank Hurlock is re-elected secretary of the Portsmouth Jazz Club.
January 16th Eric Winstone and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 17th Saturday, Leonard Leslie's Orchestra play at St Faith's Church Hall Havant.
Irene Keen's Old Time Trio play at the RAFA Club Cosham.
At the Waterloo Hall, Waterloovile dancing to Hilda Millward's Trio.
January 20th Ad in the Evening News; Irene Keen's Old Time Dance Orchestra now booking engagements for season;- 22, Beaulieu Road, Portsmouth.
January 23rd Stanley Black and his Famous BBC 17 piece Orchestra appear at the Savoy Ballroom.
Dancing to Vic Walker and his Band at the Drill Hall, Albert Road, Cosham.
Dancing lessons begin at the Grosvenor Academy in Elm Grove.(todays Irish Club?)
January 24th Saturday, At the Waterloo Hall, Waterloovile dancing to Hilda Millward's Trio.
Dancing at the Rainbow Room, Unity Hall to the Terry Flynn Quintet.
January 26th Grand Variety at the Theatre Royal includes Wilson Kepple and Betty and Peter Cavanagh.
January 28th Aladdin is performed at the Odd Fellows Hall by the St Cuthbert’s Church, Copnor Youth Fellowship, with music from the Kay O'Dee Players.
January 29th At the South Parade Pier, British Railways Staff Carnival Ball dancing to Leonard Leslie's Orchestra and Reg Bannistra's Modern Dance Music.
January 30th Teddy Foster and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 31st Saturday, After playing at Fratton Park, the Portsmouth Fire Brigade Band, conductor Mr. Fitch, travelled to Southampton and came second in a band contest.
February 2nd At the Theatre Royal, Grand Variety headed by Dick Bentley.
At the Kings Theatre, Hugh Lloyd stars in Dick Whittington.
February 6th Nat Temple and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 7th Saturday, Leonard Leslie's Orchestra play at St Faith's Church Hall, Havant.
At the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville, music for dancing from the Imperial Players.
February 8th Proceeds of the Portsmouth Philharmonic Society Concert at the Theatre Royal will go to the East Anglian Flood Releif fund.
February 9th Tito Burns and his Band play at the Embassy Ballroom alongside Gene Mayo and his Orchestra.
Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson appears at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal, Jimmy Young and Jon Pertwee appear.
At the Kings Theatre, Brenda Bruce appears in Peter Pan.
The Airspeed Singers perform at a meeting of the Portsmouth Post War Brotherhood.
February 11th The Fifty Shilling Tailor opens at 187 Commercial Road Portsmouth and offers Gabardine Raincoats for £5.19s.6d.
At the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road, the Portsmouth Music Lovers Society, heard a ' miniature promenade concert ' on records played by PC Woollven(secretary of the City Police Recorded Music Society).
February 12th The St Cecelia Singers, conductor Reg Wassell, give a concert at Christ Church on Portsdown Hill.
Reginald Wassell, born 1908 in Portsmouth was a music teacher at the Portsmouth Building School
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February 13th Jack Parnell and his Music Makers play at the South Parade Pier.
In aid of the flood victims, Eve Pedwell's Variety Starlets with Reg Aldridge, appear at the Unity Hall, St John's Road.
Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 14th Saturday, The Music Club, founder 1942, celebrate their Eleventh Anniversary at the Lecture Hall, at the Central Library behind the Guildhall with a concert.
The Imperial Players Quartet play for dancing at the Waterloo Hall Waterlooville fancy dress Valentines Dance.
February 16th The Premier of 'The Uninvited Guest' by Mary Hayley Bell(who later became Mrs. John Mills.), starring John Mills and Joan Greenwood is performed at the Kings Theatre.
Oscar Rabin and his Broadcasting Band, featuring David Ede, Marian Williams, Marjorie Daw, Franklyn Boyd, Bobby Benstead(Britian's ace trumpeter), and the David Ede Quintet, play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Freddie Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 17th Ron Male and his Dixielanders play for the Portsmouth Rhythm Club at the Sir John Peel, St Vincent Street.
February 19th The Aeolian Players entertain the St Marks Darby and Joan Club at St Marks Institute.
February 20th Joe Loss and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Lord Donegall, President of the new National Jazz Federation, has accepted the Presidency of the Portsmouth Jazz Club.
February 21st Saturday, The Drayton Methodist Church Choral Society perform, principal soloist include Ernest Barr(violin) and Reg Wassell, with Betty Stow and Stanley Matthews accompanists.
February 23rd Mick Mulligan and his Magnolian Jazz Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Leslie Baker and his Orchestra play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Eight year old Adrian John played his accordion and sang, and Pamela Arthur's Concert Party entertained the Darby and Joan Club's fourth anniversary party at Cosham British Legion.
February 25th The Portsmouth Glee Club give a concert at the London Road Baptist Church, which includes soloists Florence Brice and Donald Cox, plus Ernest Barr violin, Rosalind Matthews cello, and Stanley Matthews piano, in aid of the Lord Mayor's Flood Relief Appeal.
Mrs. D. Perkins concert party, 'The Gems' gave a performance at the Ascension Hall Chichester Road for the Flood Relief Fund.
February 26th The Cambridge in Portland Road opens, mine host Johnny Douthwaite.
February 27th At the Savoy Ballroom, The Jimmy Walker Quintet, Johnny Lyne and his Music and the Benny Freedman Orchestra.
Vic Walker and his Band play at the Drill Hall, Albert Road Cosham.
February 28th Saturday, Leonard Leslie's Band play at St Faith's Church Hall, Havant.
March 2nd The Squadronaires, directed by Ronnie Aldrich, play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Chris Barber and his New Orleans Jazz Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Dick Whicello's Band play at the Parish Church Hall, Rowlands Castle.
Peter Brough and Archie Andrews, plus Beryl Reid, appear at the Theatre Royal.
Nearly 250 members from City clubs and from Le Court at Greatham were entertained at the Wesley Central Hall with a concert given by the 'Gasworks Wonders' plus Norman Conquest and Don Parnell.
March 6th Ambrose and his Broadcasting Orchestra with Ray Burns and Wally Carr, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 7th Saturday, at the St George Church Hall Waterlooville, music for dancing by The Imperial Players.
The Jimmy James Band play at Portchester Parish Hall.
March 9th Vic Lewis and his Band play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Diana Dors, Bernard Miles and Stan Stennett appear at the Theatre Royal.
Eric Silk and his Southern Jazzmen, plus Benny Freedman's Orchestra, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 11th At the Co-operative Employees Ball on South Parade Pier, Chiz Bishop plays the accordion, also included in the cabaret were Carroll Levis discoveries, The Bermudan Boys.
18th February 1953
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March 13th Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Dancing to Jimmy Leach and his Organolians at South Parade Pier.
March 14th Saturday, At the Waterloo Hall Waterlooville dancing to the Imperial Players.
Alf Hallman’s Orchestra play at the Parish hall Rowlands Castle for the Labour Party.
March 16th Cicely Courtneidge appears in the musical 'Over The Moon' at the Kings Theatre.
Ken Mackintosh and his Broadcasting Orchestra play at the Embassy Ballroom.
March 20 Arthur Rowberry and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 21st Saturday, Leonard Leslie's Orchestra play at St Faith's Church Hall, Havant.
The Portsmouth Music club meet at the Public Library to hear the St Andrews Singers and others in concert.
March 23rd The Christie Brothers Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Jack Parnell and his Music makers play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Tessie O'Shea appears at the Theatre Royal.
March 24th The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
March 27th Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Empire Theatre talent show, the winners were Harold Legg of Berersford Road North End, on accordion, and Gordon Morgon a Dockyard Joiner from Shearer Road Portsmouth on guitar, won first place. Second were the singing Braelon Sisters, really cousins Joan Dollerey and Mary Stroud. The Harmonica Scamps, Ted Sutton, Jim Merrett and Norman Bone, from Gosport came third.
March 28th Saturday, Dancing to the Melody Makers at the Twyford Avenue Community Centre.
March 30th Oscar Rabin and his Orchestra play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Sid Phillips and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Celebrated English composer in Hollywood, Anthony Collins gives a talk at the Oddfellows Hall at the first meeting of the 'Long Play Club' organised by Ernest Wyatt of 10, Queens Road, Portsmouth.
Phyllis Dixey is on stage at the Empire Theatre.
Hermione Baddeley performs in Murder Mistaken at the Kings Theatre.
March 31st The Choral Society of the Portsmouth Grammar School and the Portsmouth Philharmonic Society Orchestra perform Bach's Mass in B Minor in the Gymnasium of the Royal Naval Barracks.
April 1st Johnny Lyne and his Orchestra play at the Embassy Ballroom.
April 2nd the Gosport Rhythm Club present Bill Burkett's Band, (but no indication of where!.)
The Woverines Jazz band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 3rd Portsmouth Choral Union perform Handel's 'Messiah' at the Northern Grammar School hall.
Good Friday Vanessa Lee, from the London Palladium, and the Gosport Orchestra play at the Forum, Gosport.
The Portsmouth Glee Club perform Handel's 'Messiah' at the London Road Baptist Church Portsmouth.
Portsmouth's own xylophonist Joan St Paul performs at the Savoy Ballroom Continental Cafe.
April 4th Saturday, At the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville, the Imperial Players Old Time Dance Orchestra play for dancing.
April 6th Nat Gonella and his Georgians play at the South Parade Pier.
Billy Ternent and his Orchestra play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Humphrey Lyttleton and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal, Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warriss appear.
April 7th George Turner, entertainments manager at the Savoy Ballroom celebrates the completion of five years of service.
April 10th Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
A variety concert at the Transport Hall, North End, is given by Miss Irene White's Melodians, featuring her Juvenile Troupe, in aid of the National Spastics Society.
17 year old Bobby Collins is presently whistling, singing and guitar playing at an un-named London Theatre.
Stan Mathews and his band play at the South Parade pier.
April 11th Saturday, Leonard Leslie's Orchestra play at St Faith's Church Hall, Havant in the last dance of the season.
At the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville, the Imperial Players Old Time Dance Orchestra play for dancing.
April 13th Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson and his 'all coloured band', play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Portsmouth's own soubrette Audrey Jeans appears at the Theatre Royal.
The Spa (Bath) City Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The Portsmouth Musical Competition Festival April 13-16 1953 begins at the Buckland Congregational Church Hall with 850 entries, 40% up on last year, and more than 1,000 people expected as visitors.
April 17th Freddy Randall and his All Star Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 18th Saturday, Alf Hallman's Orchestra play at Rowlands Castle Parish Hall.
April 20th The Johnny Dankworth Seven and Cleo Laine play at the Embassy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal, comedian Ken Platt, also Morecombe and Wise, plus Portsmouth's own xylophone player 15 year old Joan St Paul.
The Cy Laurie (London) Jazz band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 24th Reggie Goff and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Two local accordionists, David Darvill, and Sylvia Bennett audition for BBC 'In town tonight', .
April 25th "The Six Notes" Concert Party perform at the TB ward of the Infectious Deceases Hospital, those involved Lydia woodcock, Gwen Benney, Sylvia Benney, Jack Doughty, Lesley Packer and William Benney with Mrs Hilda Owen accompanist.
A farewell night for Ronnie Caryl and his Band at the Empress Ballroom.
Chas McDevitt was palying the banjo for the
High Curley Stompers on 27th April 1953 at the Savoy Ballroom
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April 27th Saturday, Kenny Baker and the new resident band Tommy Easby and his Band play at the Empress ballroom.
The Squadronaires play at the Embassy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal, Dick James and the Skyliners perform.
The
"Curley" Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom, so said the Portsmouth Evening News but the correct name was the High Curley Stompers, and they came from Camberley.
The Portsmouth Music club meet for a program called "Music at Lilac Time", those involved were Phyllis Tipple, Dorothy Buckle, Patrick Collins, Francis Deacon, Gladys Cartwright and Marjorie Buckle.
April 29th The Imperial Players Orchestra play at the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville.
May 1st Stanley Black and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
18 year old Pat Francis of 68, Boulton Road, Southsea, sang with the Ronnie Hancox Band in the summer of 1949, is at present conducting the band while Mr. Hancox is in hospital.
May 4th Ken Mackintosh, his saxophone, and his Broadcasting Orchestra, plus Gene Mayo and his Orchestra, play at the Embassy Ballroom.
At the Kings Theatre, Michael Dennison and Virginia McKenna perform in The Bad Samaritan.
Singer, David Whitfield, and Syd Seymour and his Crazy band are at the Theatre Royal.
Charlie Galbraith and his Jazzmen play at the Savoy Ballroom.
May 6th The Portsmouth Young people's String Orchestra give a concert at Cosham Baptist Church, those involved were Barbara Bonner, Derek Fry, Orchestra lead by Trevor Clark and conducted by John H Grayson.
May 8th Teddy Foster and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Bobby Collins, the 17 year old Southsea lad, has made his first broadcast on " ‘appy ‘arf ‘our". He is under contract to Stanley Dale for the next five years and Bobby's salary will rise to £75 per week by then.
May 9th Saturday, The Portsmouth Choral Union perform Haydn's 'The Creation' at the Northern Grammar School Hall.
May 11th Jack Parnell and his Music Makers play at the Embassy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal, The Merry Macs, an American close harmony group, and Cardew Robinson perform.
Kitty McShane appears at the Empire Theatre.
The Christie Brothers Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Ad in the Evening News;- Fratton British Legion offers concert hall for dances, whist drives, moderate fee.
May 12th Major F Vivian Dunn, has been succeeded by Capt. Kenneth McLean as Director of Music for the Royal Marine Band.
May 15th Humphrey Lyttleton and his band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The Modernaires Dance Band play at the Connaught Drill Hall, Havant for the Emsworth Water Carnival Dance.
May 16th Saturday, Portsmouth accordionist David Darvill plays on BBC Children's Hour.
The Portsmouth and District Organist’s Association hold their annual social and are entertained by Mrs. S. Matthews, Misses P Hinds and R Aumond, and Messers L Gibbs, S Coates, and T Wren.
May 18th Singer David Hughes and pianist Semprini appear at the Theatre Royal.
At the Kings Theatre, "Ladies in Waiting" includes Portsmouth born actress Rosalinde Fuller.
May 20th The Portsmouth Glee Club perform "Merrie England" at the Central Hall Fratton Road.
May 22nd Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Portsmouth xylophonist Joan St Paul has appeared on BBC Radio's Mid-Day Music Hall.
At St Peter's Church Hall, a performance by "Miss Jennings City Wonders"
May 23rd Saturday, Portsmouth Bach Society perform choral and orchestral music.
Whit Saturday Davy Jones and his Nautical Orchestra play on South Parade Pier.
May 24th Ivy Benson and her Ladies Orchestra play on South Parade Pier.
But,... because of a holiday traffic jam, the band arrived as money was being refunded, so too late to play!
May 25th Vic Lewis and his Broadcasting Band play at the Embassy Ballroom.
The Portsmouth players present the musical "The New Moon" at the Kings Theatre.
Their expenses amounted to nearly £1,600 and a deficit of only £20 at the end of the week's run.
At the Theatre Royal, it's Goon Week, with harry Secombe.
Cyril Stapleton and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Cyril Fletcher and Betty Astell are in "Masquerade" the South Parade Pier summer show.
May 26th The Broadway Orchestra play for dancing at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
May 27 Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
May 29th At the Lee Tower, dancing to Bert Sharpe and his Music on Monday, Friday and Saturday.
May 30th Saturday, The London Philharmonic Orchestra play at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road.
Kenny Baker and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The Frank Stocker Band at Southleigh Holiday Camp on Hayling Island,
celebrating Franks 25th year of leading the band in 1953
From left to right;- Denny Putman, Jim Jewel, Ted White,
Frank Stocker, Bill Druce, Jonny Wilkins.
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June 1st Nat Gonella and his Georgians play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Kings Theatre, the Queen of all musical comedies, 'Florodora'.
At the Theatre Royal, Portsmouth's own, Bobby Collins appears with Gladys Morgan, Max Geldray and Eddie Arnold.
June 2nd At the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville, the Imperial Players provide music for dancing at the Grand Coronation Carnival Dance.
Coronation Night dance at the Royal Beach Hotel with music from Brian Moseley and his Dance Orchestra.
Dancing to Grace Cole and her All Girl Orchestra at the Embassy Ballroom supported by Gene Mayo and his Orchestra.
June 3rd Nat Temple and his Orchestra play for a Press ball at the Savoy Ballroom.
Stanley Matthews and his Band play at the Wellington Hall Coronation dance.
June 4th Geraldo and his Orchestra play at the Connaught Drill Hall Portsmouth as part of the Coronation Week Festivities supported by Jimmy Harris and his Band.
Stanley Matthews and his Band play at the Wellington Hall, St James Road, Southsea for a Grand Coronation Dance.
At the Portsmouth Group Hospitals Coronation Ball at Kimbells, cabaret from Joan St Paul, the local musical prodigy of BBC fame.
June 5th Geraldo and his Orchestra play their second date at the Connaught Drill Hall Portsmouth as part of the Coronation Week Festivities supported by Jimmy Harris and his Band.
The Ronnie Scott Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The 'Mirth and Melody Makers' Concert Party entertained patients and staff at the Infectious Deceases Hospital, Portsmouth.
June 6th Saturday, Barry Moseley and his Dance Orchestra play at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea.
Geraldo and his Orchestra play their third date at the Connaught Drill Hall Portsmouth as part of the Coronation Week Festivities supported by Jimmy Harris and his Band.
The Imperial Players provide music for dancing at the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville.
June 8th Winifred Atwell appears at the Theatre Royal with Jimmy Wheeler and Tommy Fields.
Teddy Foster and his Orchestra appear at the Savoy Ballroom all week.
At the Embassy Ballroom, the Tito Burns Sextet play for dancing.
June 10th At the Connaught Drill Hall, Portsmouth, Al Parkman's American Rhythm Orchestra and Gordon Banner and his Ballroom Organ, play for dancing.
June 13th Saturday, At the Ascension Hall, Chichester Road, the 'Merry Mascots' Concert Party perform a Coronation Variety Concert.
June 15th Kiss Me Kate is performed at the Kings Theatre.
Arthur Lucan, aka Old Mother Riley appears at the Theatre Royal.
At the Cosham Civic Centre, 250 'old folk' were entertained by Mr. John Hawkins and Miss Helen Dyer, with Mrs Hawkins at the piano, plus the Gas Undertaking Social Club Concert Party.
1953 Coronation Party Band in Portsmouth, but who were they?
Old Man with Glasses Harry Batchelor man on the drums is David batchelor
the sax could be Leslie Meare?
Roy and his dad. Left is Roy Townsend
the guy in black is Frank Townsend.
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June 19th Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 20th Saturday, The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society present Vaughn Williams' A Sea Symphony at the Wesley Central Hall.
The Peter Pan Club hold a party at Portchester Parish hall with entertainment by Miss Jean Carter's Concert Party from Paulsgrove.
June 22nd Peter Sellers begins as the star of 'Showtime' on South Parade Pier.
The High 'Curly Stompers' play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the lecture hall of the central Public Library, the Portsmouth Music Club were entertained by the Gosport Ladies Choir, conducted by Mrs. Diaper.
June 24th Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 26th Nat Temple and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Irene Keens Trio play at the RAFA Club Cosham.
June 29th Carl Barriteau and his Music play at the Embassy Ballroom.
Bob Micklebrugh and his Bobcats play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Theatre Royal Billy Cotton and his Band appear.
The Portsmouth Jazz Club had a record attendance to hear records of American Jazz trumpeter Wingy Manone.
The Portsmouth Music Lovers Club hear a recital from Ivan Bowler, piano, and Miss Gladys Freeland, soprano.
July 1st Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 6th At the Theatre Royal, Elsie and Doris Waters, The Radio Revellers and the Vancouver Boys' Band.
Reggie Goff and his Sextet play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 8th Drummer, Roy Richards and his Seven Piece Outfit broadcast on the BBC Home Service in "What's new?".
July 10th Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 13th The Bournemouth Pine City Stompers appear at the Savoy Ballroom.
Whistler Ronnie Ronalde appears at the Theatre Royal, with Dickie Henderson.
The Piccadilly Hayride plays at the Empire Theatre, and include Terry Scott and Bill Maynard.
July 14th Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 17th Ronnie Scott and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 20th Betty Driver appears at the Theatre Royal.
Joan saves the day. At the Empire theatre, an act didn't turn up so the impresario George Black told the Empire manager to contact 15 year old Joan St Paul, her parents run a pub in Commercial Road Portsmouth, and get her as a replacement.
Dave Shepherd and his Band play at Kimbells, Osborne Road.
July 24th Humphrey Lyttleton and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 25th Saturday, Patients at the Portsmouth Infectious Deceases Hospital were entertained by Ken Dukes and his "Mirth and Melody Makers" Concert Party.
July 27th Jerry French and his Jazz band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Kings Theatre, Prince Littler presents Edmund Hockridge in Carousel.
Vic Oliver appears at the Theatre Royal.
July 29th Benny Freeman and his Orchestra broadcast on the BBC Home Service in "What's new?".
July 30th A three day Coronation Tattoo begins at Fratton Park, with massed bands and drums.
Ad in the Evening News;- Ace Dance Band for old time and modern, L Wemy, 8 Wharf Road, Mile End.
July 31st Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 2nd Sid Phillips and his Band play on South Parade Pier.
August 3rd Noel Gordon stars in "Call Me Madam" at the Kings Theatre.
Max Wall appears at the Theatre Royal.
Bert Sharpe and his Band play for dancing at Lee Tower.
August 7th Bob Micklebrough and his Bobcats play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Portsmouth's 17 year old Bobby Collins broadcasts with David Whitfield and Elsie and Doris Waters, from Poplar Town Hall, close to Ridgedale Road where he was born.
August 7th Bob Micklebrough and his Bobcats play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Portsmouth's 17 year old Bobby Collins broadcasts with David Whitfield and Elsie and Doris Waters, from Poplar Town Hall, close to Ridgedale Road where he was born.
August 10th Billy Ternent and his Orchestra play at the Theatre Royal.
At the RAFA Club Cosham, the 'Musick' Makers play for dancing.
The Tony Kinsey group, with Jimmy Skidmore and Tommy Whittle, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 14th Vic Lewis and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 15th Saturday, Madame Courtney's Juvenile Troup entertained at the Cosham British Legion in Sixth Avenue at their Coronation Party.
August 16th The Gosport Municipal Concert Orchestra, with Gwen Catley, perform on South Parade Pier. Gwen Catley contracts bronchitis and is replaced with Helen Hill.
August 17th The Wolverines Jazz Band play at the South Parade Pier.
Al Read appears at the Theatre Royal.
At the Empire Theatre, it's "The Naughty Girls of 1953"
August 21st Ambrose and his 17 piece Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 23rd Jack Parnell and his Music Makers play at the South Parade Pier.
August 24th The High Curly Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Arthur English and Monsewer Eddie Gray appear at the Theatre Royal.
The Music Makers play at the RAFA Club Cosham.
August 28th Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 31st The Jeremy French Jazz band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Oklahoma is performed at the Kings Theatre.
September 2nd Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 4th Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 5th Saturday, At Rowlands Castle church hall, the Dick Whichello band play for dancing.
September 7th The Wood Green Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 8th The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 11th Nat Temple and his at the Savoy ballroom.
September 14th The Gene Mayo Band moves from the Embassy Ballroom to become the new resident band at the Empress Ballroom at North End
Gordon Banner at his Wonder Organ.
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September 20th Shirley Abiciar, the zither girl, appears at the South Parade Pier with the Gosport Municipal Concert Orchestra.
At the Festival Bar in Southsea, a special lunchtime and evening appearance of Miss Elice Granadoff at the organ.
September 21st International ballet comes to the Kings Theatre with a variety of productions in one week.
The Portsmouth Players present the famous musical comedy "Mr. Cinders" at the South Parade Pier.
Graham Stewart and his Jazzmen play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 23rd Bebopping to David Francis and his Orchestra at the Embassy Ballroom.
September 24th The De Reske Orchestra play at the Co-op Hall Fratton Road.
September 25th Ronnie Scott and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 26th Saturday, Dancing at St Faith's Church Hall Havant to the Southern Counties Orchestra.
September 27th Farewell appearance of Gordon Banner and his Wonder Organ at South Parade Pier.
Alan Littlejohn and his Jazzmen play at the Savoy Ballroom.
At the Festival Bar, in the Savoy Buildings, in Southsea, regular lunchtime and evening appearances of BBC organist Miss Edice Granados at the organ.
September 28th At the Kings Theatre, Leo Franklin appears in Oscar Straus' "The Last Waltz".
Issy Bonn and Eddie Calvert appear at the Theatre Royal.
The Vagabonds Concert Party entertain Patients and staff at the Portsmouth Infectious Deceases Hospital.
September 30th The Broadway Orchestra play at Lee Tower.
Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 2nd Jack Parnell and his 15 piece 'Music Makers' Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Miss Q Jennings variety concert party "City Wonders" performed at the Transport Hall Stubbington Avenue.
At Lee Tower, dancing to Bert Sharpe and his Music.
October 3rd Farewell night for David Francis and his Orchestra at the Embassy Ballroom.
The Marinaires Orchestra play at the church hall Rowlands Castle.
October 4th Municipal Concert at the Kings theatre with the southern Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Herbert Menges, with Gina Bachauer, pianoforte.
October 5th Anne Zeigler and Webster Booth appear in "And so to bed" at the Kings Theatre.
Joe 'Tiny' Nicholls and his Merry Men begin a residency at the Embassy Ballroom.
G H Elliott, the chocolate coloured coon, makes a farewell appearance at the Theatre Royal and celebrates 50 years in the theatre, plus Leslie Welch, the memory man.
Gerry Brown's Dixielanders play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 6th Ad in the Evening News;- Wally Battell dance pianist and band, 9 Lower Grove Road Havant.
At the Oddfellows hall, the Portsmouth Long Playing Record Club heard a talk by Mantovani who was publicising his latest record, more than 450 people attended.
October 7th The Broadway Trio play at the Co-operative Hall, Garnier Street.
October 9th Teddy Foster and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 10th Saturday, The Reg Bannistra Orchestra begin a winter season at the South Parade Pier with Wally Fry and his Collegians.
Milton Glee Club perform a selection of melodies from musical comedy at the Eastney Central Methodist Hall in Highland Road.
October 11th The Portsmouth Choral union perform a mixed classical program at the Northern Grammar School.
At the Empire Theatre a concert for the blind includes the Portsmouth Police Choir, who recently won the Coronation Cup and the Gosport music festival, and solo singers and a special appearance of Max Miller.
October 12th Dr Crock and his Crackpots, The Malcolm Mitchell Trio and comedian George Martin appear at the Theatre Royal.
October 16th Geraldo and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The 'Mirth and melody makers' Variety show entertained patients at A9 ward of St Mary's Hospital performers included Glenda Hayles, Julie Smith, Rita Nelson, Nina Lodge Kes Withev, Frank Lloyd, Bill Renouf and it was produced by Ken Dukes.
After 42 years of service, South Parade Pier's stage manager is retiring.
Charles Peters is the musical director at the Theatre Royal.
October 17th Saturday, The Portsmouth Glee Club perform 'Carmen' and 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast' at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road.
Johnny Lyne and his Music, winners of the Melody Maker all Brittan Dance band contest at Manchester on October 11th, play at the South Parade Pier.
The Southern Counties Orchestra play at St Faith's Church Hall, Havant.
The Portsmouth City Police Choir, winners of the Coronation Cup at the Gosport Music Festival, entertain patients at Queen Alexandra Hospital Cosham.
October 19th Jeremy French and his Jazzband play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 21st The St Cecelia Singers were guests who entertained the Portsmouth Music Lovers Club at the Wesley Central Hall, and included Joan Reynolds, Florence Price, Dorothy Wassell, Reginald Wassell, John Ellison, and Joan Price.
Gosport Borough Council have approved the installation at Lee Tower Ballroom of a new oak wood block floor and new curtains, costing £617.10s.0d. The first function after this is the Mayor's Charity Ball on November 18th.
October 23rd Nat Temple and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The Portsmouth Orpheus Singers give a concert at Christ Church Hall Widley.
October 29th Irvin Miller's Orchestra entertained a large audience at the Transport Hall Stubbington Avenue, in aid of the Portsmouth and District Spastics Society.
October 30th Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Bert Sharpe and his Music play at Lee Tower.
October 31st The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society present Brahms Requiem at Portsmouth Cathedral.
Johnny Lyne and his Music join Wally Fry and his Collegians at South Parade Pier.
November 2nd Frankie Vaughn, accompanied by Bert Waller, and Bernard Miles appear at the Theatre Royal.
At the Savoy Ballroom, dancing to the High Curley Stompers and Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music.
The 'Windmill Follies' at the Empire Theatre included Portsmouth musicians Harry Legg and Gordon Morgon playing accordion, guitar and xylophone.
November 6th Ambrose and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The 'Mirth and Melody Makers' Variety Party entertained patients at ward M1 of the Infectious Deceases Hospital.
November 7th Saturday, Reg Bannistra and his Orchestra join Wally Fry and his Collegians to play at South Parade Pier.
The Marinaires Orchestra play at the church hall Rowlands Castle.
The Portsmouth Irish Society hold a Ceilidhe at the Forresters Hall, Fratton Road with music from Cyril Rice and his Band.
Organist Elise Granados, resident in the Festival bar Lounge each evening and Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, broadcasts of BBC Light Programme.
November 9th Johnny Lyne and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
New singing star, John Hanson plays the part of the Red Shadow in 'Desert Song' at the Kings Theatre.
Harry Lester and his Hayseeds appear at the Theatre Royal.
At the Empire Theatre, Hylda Baker appears in 'Moulin Rouge'.
November 11th The Portsmouth Jazz Club re-opens at the 'Old Countryman' in Thomas Street Landport.
November 13th Ken Mackintosh and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
The 'Mirth and Melody Makers' Variety Party entertained patients at ward M2 of the Infectious Deceases Hospital.
November 14th Saturday, At the Wesley Central Hall, the Portsmouth Bach Society present a Choral and Orchestral Concert.
Johnny Lyne and his Music join Wally Fry and his Collegians at South Parade Pier.
Chiz Bishop wins the British Professional Accordion Championship Silver Trophy outright at Westminster Central Hall London.
November 16th Max Wall appears at the Theatre Royal.
Len Beadie and his 17 piece Jazz Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 19th the Portsmouth Players entertained more than 300 blind people and their guides at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road.
November 20th Stan Matthews and his Band play on South Parade Pier for the Civil Defence Corps Dance.
Carl Barriteau and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 21st Saturday, Reg Bannistra and his Orchestra join Wally Fry and his Collegians to play at South Parade Pier.
November 22nd Musicians Union Annual Branch Meeting at the Pompey Hotel, Frogmore Road.
November 23rd Nat Gonella, formerly with Billy Cotton, and Roy Fox, appears 'solo' in 'London Takes A Bow' at the Theatre Royal.
Phyllis Dixey appears at the Empire Theatre.
November 25th The Broadway Orchestra play at Lee Tower.
November 27th Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 28th Saturday, Johnny Lyne and his Music join Wally Fry and his Collegians to provide music for dancing at the South Parade Pier.
November 29th At the Municipal Concert at the Kings Theatre , the soloist, Sheila Randall collapsed and fainted while playing. After an interval, the Southern Philharmonic Orchestra completed the concert.
November 30th The Alan Littlejohn Quintet play at the Savoy Ballroom.
December 2nd The Barnstormers, the variety section of the the Southsea Little Theatre Entertainers visit the infectious deceases Ward K to entertain patients.
December 4th Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight play at the Savoy Ballroom.
December 5th Saturday, Reg Bannistra and his Orchestra play at the South Parade Pier along with Wally Fry and his Collegians.
December 7th Anne Shelton with comedian Nat Jackly, also the Five Skyliners, appear at the Theatre Royal.
At the Savoy Ballroom, Joe Brickell and his Jazzmen play for dancing.
December 8th Records by the bands of Jelly - Roll Morton. Bob Crosby. Bunk Johnson. Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong were played to Portsmouth Jazz Club in recitals presented by Frank Hurlock and John Galpin.
December 11th Teddy Foster and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
December 12th Saturday, The Portsmouth Glee club give a concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road featuring Max Jaffa, and Jack Byfield.
Johnny Lyne and his Music join Wally Fry and his Collegians to provide music for dancing at the South Parade Pier.
Billy Bennett and his Merrymakers play at the Jeffery Hall, Southbourne.
December 13th Municipal Concert at the Kings Theatre with guest conductor Sir Adrian Boult and at the pianoforte Clive Lythgoe.
December 14th Elsie and Doris Waters and ventriloquist Terry Hall appear at the Theatre Royal.
The High Curley Stompers play at the Savoy Ballroom.
December 17th At the Hants & Dorset Busses Social Club in Gosport, Bert Sharpe and his Orchestra play for dancing.
December 18th Ted Heath and his Music, plus Denis Lotis, Lita Rosa and Dickie Valentine, appear the Savoy Ballroom.
December 19th Saturday, Reg Bannistra and his Orchestra play at the South Parade Pier along with Wally Fry and his Collegians.
Elise Granados plays the Hammond Organ at the Festival Bar, carols and seasonal music nightly.
December 21st Bobby Collins returns to the Theatre Royal, together with singer Tony Brent
December 13th The Broadway Orchestra play at Lee Tower.
December 24th The Marinaires Orchestra play at the Church Hall Rowlands Castle.
The Imperial Players play at the Waterloo Hall, Waterlooville.
December 26th Saturday, Babes in the Wood Pantomime at the Empire Theatre.
December 28th Cinderella pantomime at the Kings Theatre.
At the Savoy Ballroom Johnny Lyne and his Music play for dancing.
December 29th The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
December 31st Two bands at Kimbells Orsborne Road, Trevor Nabarro and his Music plus Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music.
Joe Brickell and his Jazzmen join Benny Freedman’s Band at the Savoy Ballroom.
The Broadway Orchestra play at the Co-operative Hall, Garnier Street, Fratton.
The Portsmouth Jazz Club had regular meetings throughout the year, as did the Portsmouth Music Club at the lecture hall of the Central Library.
The News rarely gave details of the musicians at a Ball.
The Johnny Lyne Band photo from the middle page of the Melody Maker 1953
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The Johnny Lyne Band on the middle page of the Melody Maker 1953
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