Harry Cambridge (d. 1892), English comic and topical vocalist (photo: George Aynsley, South Shields, England, circa 1885)
‘From the Sublime to the Ridiculous. MR. HARRY CAMBRIDGE, the Great Vocal Comedian, concludes To-night [10 March 1883], with terrific success, Grafton, Dublin. Monday next, ALHAMBRA, BOOTLE. Special Starring Engagement. Grand Varieties, Gateshead; People’s, Manchester, &c., to follow. The Lady Killer the rage. The funniest Make-up ever seen. More in preparation.’ (The Era, London, Saturday, 10 March 1883, p. 20b, advertisement)
The Sun music hall, Knightsbridge, London, week beginning Monday, 8 October 1883. ‘Cambridge suggests blueness, and Mr Harry of that ilk would do well to drop that song, of the hue of indigo, which deals with the risky subject of hypothetical parentage. In a topical song brought up to date there was some merit, and ”There he goes,” a ditty sung in character, elicited applause. The doings at midnight meetings of a certain army savour too much of Holywell street in its ”palmy” days. Coarse as the subject is, it might be treated in a manner less objectionable than Mr Harry Cambridge chose to adopt in his impression of a corporal of the Salvation Army. This gentleman possesses talent sufficient to win applause by legitimate means without resorting to questionable business.’ (The Era, London, Saturday, 13 October 1883, p. 4a)
‘DIED, Mr Harry Cambridge, vocal comedian, Dec. 28th, 1892. Gone, but not forgotten.’ (The Era, London, Saturday, 31 December 1892, p. 18c)
‘The news of the death of Mr Harry Cambridge, who succumbed on the 28th, was not altogether unexpected. The deceased comedian, who had been ill for some time, was better known in the provinces than in London. His widow, Miss Nellie Darrell, serio-comic and burlesque actress, is known to fame chiefly as one of the first ladies on the music hall stage to utilise the pretty effects of electricity in her costumes.’ (The Era, London, Saturday, 31 December 1892, p. 19a)
Footlight Notes 