Josephine Langley Explained

Josephine Langley
Birth Name:Annie Howarth
Nationality:English
Other Names:Madame Langley, Lady Ventriloquist
Occupation:Ventriloquist
Relatives:John Yeadon (grandson)

Josephine Langley, or Madame Langley, Lady Ventriloquist, was the stage name of Annie Howarth, an English ventriloquist, who performed in music halls. She learned the skill of ventriloquy from her brother James Langley, and first performed at Sunday School concerts in her home town of Burnley, at the age of twelve.[1] She was subsequently managed by her husband, Edward Howarth (known as "Ned").[2]

In 1929 the couple emigrated to the United States, with their young son.[3] They subsequently returned to England.

Her grandson is the artist, John Yeadon, who features her ventriloquist dummies in his work.[4]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. News: A Clever Lady Ventriloquist. 15 May 1918. Burnley News. 6 October 2015.
  2. Web site: A Family Of Ventriloquists . Yeadon. John . John Yeadon. 6 October 2015.
  3. News: Josephine Langley Lady Ventriloquist, The Story of Mrs Edward Howarth. L. D. Magicsen. 6 October 2015.
  4. Web site: Miniature art work on show at Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery. Chamberlain. Julie. 8 January 2015. Coventry Telegraph. 16 August 2015.