Big Bands Past

London Life Troupers

London Life organized "The London Life Troupers Variety Show" in September 1940 to help provide entertainment for men in the Armed Forces. Troupers would travel to one of the many training camps of Western Ontario to present their show to young service men, many of them from the United Kingdom as members of the Commonwealth training plan, and the others Canadians who might also be far from home.

London Life paid all expenses.  The format chosen was that of a concert party.  There were vocalists - girl soloists, trios and quartets and male soloists and quartets. There were also three dance lines of 12 girls each, notable for their beautiful costumes and precise performances. An 11 piece orchestra led by Don Wright provided all the music accompaniment and solo performances for the show. Altogether 154 London Lifers were enrolled. Don Wright talks about his experiences during these years in the following video clip ( courtesy Rogers TV).

All members of the troupe were volunteers who give their time and talent as a war activity.  The orchestra was composed of members of the local Musicians Union who graciously contributed their services for all shows.

The troupers presented their show eighty-five times in four seasons, from 1940 to 1944.  It was a busy time for all. Not only for the traveling and performances, but also for rehearsing the dance routines and specialty acts and they became noted for the fast pace of their show and the precision of their dance routines. 

Band Photograph

Personnel

Back Row: Herb Stratton bass: Harry Reed tenor sax: Dick Burch alto sax: Jean Hall piano: Tommy Brooks alto sax: Jack (Scotty) McLaughlin tenor sax: Ross Willis drums.

Front Row: Ken Wooster trombone: Walt Brandie trumpet: Don Wright Leader & lead trumpet: Len Weeks trumpet.

Also played but not appearing in photo - George Tingey trumpet: Stan Coups trombone:

Audio of London Life Troupers Orchestra playing their showtime pieces

Band Numbers
1 - That's A-Plenty
2 - Basin Street Blues
3 - Did-E-Umph

Accompaniment for the Chorus Lines
1 - Music for the Latin Line
2 - Music for the Naval Line
3 - Music for the Old Tyme routines
4 - Music for the Tap routines
5 - Music for the Patriotic section

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