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If I Catch Alphonso, Tonight!
Billy Merson commenced his theatrical career as an acrobat and circus clown before going solo as a comedian. He composed and performed many songs – including ‘The Spaniard That Blighted My Life’. He first sang it in pantomime at Brighton and it played a very significant part in his fortunes thereafter. Having taken London Music Halls by storm in 1910, he went on to perform in revue, musical comedy and film. He is credited with having made the first British talking picture in 1926. Having reached the top of his profession, circumstances conspired against him and he returned to variety work. He last appeared at the Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne, in 1938. It is a story of a man who constantly found himself on the ropes but always bounced back. A born entertainer, he was the inspiration for future generations of comedians and his legacy lives on.