Medlock

Bobbie Medlock was one half of the popular music hall act Medlock & Marlowe, formed in the mid-1930s with her future husband, Vic Marlowe. Born in 1914 as Doris Smart, one of six children, she began her dancing career at an early age as a juvenile performer in 'Mrs Beam's Babes' and later as a solo artist. At 18, she partnered with Lew Grade, performing in theatres across London under the billing "Grade and Medlock." The partnership lasted only a few months, as Medlock wished to incorporate more acrobatics into the act. It was during this time that she met Vic Marlowe, and together they formed 'Medlock & Marlowe,' touring Britain and Europe. Their marriage was kept secret for as long as possible to maintain separate salaries, but the secret was revealed during a performance in South Africa in "Merrily We Roll Along," produced by Thomas Charles Arnold and also featuring George Lacy. During the war years, the double act regularly appeared at variety shows alongside performers such as Arthur Askey, Florence Desmond, and The Crazy Gang. Their act evolved from dancing and acrobatics into full-scale comedy, and by the 1950s they were performing with rubber masks, impersonating celebrities and notable figures of the time. Their impersonations of George Bernard Shaw prompted correspondence and suggestions from Shaw himself. Before retiring in 1964, the duo performed worldwide, including numerous Royal Command Performances, and shared the stage with stars such as Judy Garland, Gracie Fields, and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Bobbie Medlock died on 11th January 2007 at the age of 92.