Uncle Sam and his Minstrels first came to Canvey in 1933, the following are articles from The Stage covering the period from 1933-1937. They give some interesting insight into how they started and the build up over the years.
July 1933
At Canvey
Uncle Sam (Edward Parker) who runs a minstrel show on Chalkwell Bay Beach, Westcliff, is to present a similar show on Shell Beach, Canvey Island, for an eight weeks’ resident season, opening next week.
June 1934
At Canvey
Uncle Sam’s Canvey Island Minstrels have opened their resident season at a pitch that is now semi alfresco, the council having granted Uncle Sam permission to erect an awning. The bulk of the comedy is in the hands of Freddy Liston.
Others in the company are Jack Rogers, Peter Collier and Harry Hart.
Uncle Sam appears every Sunday.
Oct 1935
Minstrels at Canvey
Uncle Sam and his Canvey Minstrels concluded a successful season last Sunday to a crowded house. Uncle Sam has this season extended his premises to hold audiences of 700. Yet on several occasions during the season many would-be patrons have been unable to get a seat. The comedian this season was Tommy Dixon and the company included Pat Kay, Frank Day, Peter Collier, Jack Barclay, Alban Padden, Bert Holmes and Edward Parker. (Uncle Sam)
May 1937
At Canvey Island
The following artists open Saturday for a 17 weeks season with Uncle Sam’s Minstrels at the Palladium, Canvey Island. Ran Churchill, Marie, Churchill, Percy James, Pay Kay, Frank Dee. Arthur Ranican, Ken Ashton and Edward Parker (Uncle Sam).
On Coronation afternoon Uncle Sam gave a show to 1,200 children
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E.PARKER had planning approved on 5th December 1933 for a Shelter in “The PROMENADE” which later became “ESPLANADE” which we now call “Eastern Esplanade”, and “Western Esplanade”.
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