Documents relating to Annie & William Gibson



The following documents mention Annie & William Gibson, who were Music Hall Artistes in the early 1900s

Annie was a medium and fortune teller, and worked under the name Madam Ali, the Inspirational Medium

William worked under the name Sid Ali


The Beeston Gazette & Echo [15th April 1913]


Next week should prove a record for the Beeston New Picture Palace in High Road in view of the engagement of that wonderful person, Madam Ali, who displays powers which are almost super-human. Madam Ali, while blindfolded on the stage can answer the most difficult questions in a remarkable manner. She has been tested night by night in various parts of the country by crowds of inquisitive, curious and even anxious people, who have enquired how their friends are faring in distant parts of the earth. One astonishing feat was that of telling a clerical gentleman where to find his lost pair of eyeglasses.

Sid Ali, too, is a very accomplished elocutionist, and appears in his picture recitation, The Parson and the Bully

 

An advert for their act in the Stage [2nd May 1912] announced


Madam Ali, inspirational medium, assisted by Sid Ali
 

The The Stage [23rd October 1952] reported Annie's death


It is with regret that we hear that Madame Query, a real old-time artist, has passed away at the age of 80.

She died at Grimsby on Friday 17th October 1952, and was interred at Howden Cemetery, near Goole, after a simple and impressive service.

Readers will recall her as one of the oldest artists still working regularly, sitting on a chair, a black bandage across her eyes. Descriptions of photographs, etc., from the audience were her speciality.

Formerly known as Madam Ali, she commenced her act on the fairgrounds, being presented by her husband, the late Sid Ali.

After his death her daughter, Irene Victoria Cooper, assisted her.

The act was presented for 62 years

 



© Malcolm Bull 2023
Revised 14:12 / 4th March 2023 / 4010

Page Ref: X573

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