The Stage and Performances

Alfred Campbell sang and played the concertina in both Jersey and in England. This is a selection of his newspaper reports. A favourite of his seems to have been "The Blind Boy", and a 1906 version by George H. Chirgwin can be found here.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 15 Dec 1877, p.6.

The principal item in the programme, however, was a concertina solo by Mr. A. Campbell, who created quite a furora amongst his hearers by his very clever imitation of the Scotch bagpipes, the Church organ and bells. He also sang "The Blind Boy," and "Our Empire in the East," both of which were re-demanded. The audience was a numerous one, and the entertainment, on the whole, may be pronounced a success.

The Star, 12 Nov 1878, "Jersey: Masonic Concert".

Mr. Campbell, whose voice and style stamp him as a musician in the highest sense of the word, accompanied himself on the concertina in the sings, "Silver Bells of memory" and "The Blind Boy", the latter an exquisitely sweet ballad. His manipulation of the concertina was marvellous and thrilling to a degree. We are not given to encoring performers, but we were glad to hear the courteous response to the vociferous applause which greeted the performer at the conclusion.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 9 Nov 1878, p.3, "Masonic Concert".

Mr. A. Campbell sang the favourite ballad "Silver bells of memory," in a manner denoting great ability,accompanying himself on the concertina, and in reply to a hearty recall gave the patriotic song "Here stands a poet," success likewise attending his rendering of the pathetic melody "The Blind Boy."

The Star (Guernsey), 12 Nov 1878.

Mr Campbell sang and played the concertina at a Masonic Concert, the previous Thursday, at the Temple, Stepford Rd.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 4 Jan 1879, p.6, "Campbell's Negro Minstrels".

Mr. Campbell sang the popular ballads "I have heard sweet music stealing," and "Won't you buy my pretty flowers," with considerable expression and taste, and his concertina solos showed him to be a complete master of that instrument.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 12 Jul 1879, p.4, "Royal Hall".

Mr. A. Campbell rendered the next item, viz., Sullivan's ballad "Once Again," with concertina obbligato. He sang in his usual excellent style, and being re-called played a solo on the concertina.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 8 Feb 1879, p.6, "Campbell's Minstrels".

"My heart's best love" performed by "A. Campbell". Part II commenced with a humorous sketch entitled: "Lovers' quarrel," by A. Campbell and Jeff Lee.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 16 Jul 1881, p.3, "Messrs. Poole's Diorama".

The concertina playing of Mr. A. Campbell, was greatly admired, and met with due approbation.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 17 Oct 1885, p.5, "Theatre Royal".

In the fourth act Mr. A. Campbell sang with taste and expression the well-known ballad "My pretty Jane," and in response to a hearty encore, played a capital concertina solo.

The Star (Guernsey), from Jersey Express, 23 Jul 1887, p.2, "Royal Hall".

Campbell The Guide played ‘Yorick the Fool’ in ‘Muldoon’s Picnic’ at the Royal Hall, Jersey, previous Tuesday.

South London Press, 1 Dec 1888, p.6, "Dulwich Reform Club".

Mr. Alfred Campbell, an old East Dulwich favourite, sang "In a very different place," for which he was encored.




The following report appears to be for a rather young Clifford Campbell.

Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, 21 Jul 1900, "A Trip to Chicago" at the Opera House (from Jersey Times of Tuesday).

Mr. Clifford Campbell plays the irascible burlesque Major Tiffin simply splendid ; not one whit less praise is his due. The part is a by no means easy one, but Mr. Campbell, evidently no novice, makes the most of every opportunity ; and in his song "The Major", he literally brought down the house, and deservedly so. As a matter of fact, we believe that no one but Mr. Campbell, who is a born comedian, has played the part in the provinces.