Music hall now seems a distant and insignificant form of entertainment, but the TV talent show, stand-up comedy, and a great deal more, has its roots in that quaint world. There was much to condemn it, but more to applaud, and Peter Norris does both, as the story of Gus Elen unfolds. The representation of Cockney characters was an enduring part of music hall's history, and Elen was the master of that genre. Many of his songs are still remembered, and the CD produced to partner the book, enables the reader to hear these unique renditions.