ABSTRACT
A comparison of Ibbs and Tillett's brochures available to promoters in the ten years 1911–20 (listed in Appendix 2) makes interesting reading (see the table below). Singers constitute the greatest number, and of the four voice types there is always an even distribution of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, while among the instrumentalists, pianists prevail over string players. Numbers peak at the start of the First World War, dip noticeably during the course of the war, and rise markedly with the return of peace. The post-war brochure includes four violists for the first time, and a sharp increase in the combined numbers of entertainers (33) and entertainers with piano (30).
