Dates

• Existence: 1890 - 1949

Biography

Albert was a theatre manager and clown performer. He met Lulu Adams in 1927 while she was touring and they got married soon afer and became double clowning act known as Albertino and Lulu.

Lulu and Albertino, appeared with Bertam Mills Circus, at The Blackpool Tower Circus and with Tom Arnold’s Mammoth Circus, amongst others. In 1939 they were in the United States where they hoped to spend the rest of their careers, but at the break of World War II, Albert who was in the reserves, had to return to the UK.

Albert was an experienced soldier who served in the Great War as a Major. His military service in this instance ended when he was discharged on health grounds after being gassed by enemy forces. On their return to England, Albert was turned down for service, however this did not stop the couple from contributing to the war effort in the best way they knew. For a while Lulu worked as a nurse for the Red Cross, padding crutches and splints, while Albert went on a tour of military stations. Later Lulu and Albertino reformed their act and entertained the troops, as well as factory workers and evacuated children, while also appearing in a miniature circus in a small zoo in Chessington, Surrey.

Lulu and Albert were married for 20 years, until Albert died suddenly in America from heart failure while they were both broadcasting on a New York radio programme on 6 April 1948.

Found in 31 Collections and/or Records: