Music hall singer and male-impersonator, Ella Shields was the daughter of a Wexford father and a Waterford mother.

She was a huge success in England from 1910 until her death in 1952.

She received great acclaim for her performance of the song, ‘Burlington Bertie from Bow,.'

However the initial success of the song would subsequently place a huge spectre over the rest of her career.

Shields’ last performance of the song which brought her fame has gone down in theatrical lore.

As we approach the end of 2025, pour a cuppa and listen to a wonderful look back at an extraordinary woman.

Play to listen back in full.

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