Robey, George (1869-1954), was one of the greatest English music hall stars. Robey was nicknamed the “Prime Minister of Mirth.” He was famous for his patter, impromptu remarks, songs, and such characters as Daisy Dilwater and the Mayor of Mudcumdyke. During World War I (1914-1918), Robey performed in the popular wartime revue The Bing Boys Are Here. The show included the hit song “If You Were the Only Girl in the World,” which Robey sang as a duet with the British singer Violet Loraine. His own revue Bits and Pieces was popular in the United Kingdom and on tour. In 1935, he gave a brilliant performance as Falstaff in William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part I. Robey also played Falstaff in Laurence Olivier’s film version of Henry V (1944).
George Edward Wade was born on Sept. 20, 1869, in London and later took the stage name George Robey. He made his music hall debut in 1891. In addition to his stage career, he appeared in many motion pictures, beginning with silent comedies in the 1920’s. He later appeared in character roles in films. Robey was knighted in 1954. He died on Nov. 29, 1954. Robey wrote an autobiography, Looking Back on Life (1933).
