Dolly Allen

Dolly Allen (9 April 1906 – 25 June 1990) was an English comedian, singer and performer. Born Doris Evelyn Baugh at Wordsley Workhouse in Staffordshire, she performed throughout her life and came to wider attention in 1975 at the age of 69 after joining the roster of performers in A Black Country Night Out. Dolly made television and radio appearances and continued to perform in venues around the Black Country, wider UK and abroad. She appeared on several comedy albums with the group and had her own solo release in 1978. Dolly was recognised for her contributions to entertainment by Dudley Council in 2008 with her own blue plaque.

Early life

Dolly Allen was born Doris Evelyn Baugh at Wordsley Workhouse on 9 April 1906. Her mother was a brickyard labourer who died ten days after the birth. Renamed Dorothy by her adoptive parents William and Elizabeth Parker, Dolly grew up in the nearby town of Halesowen.

Performing career Dolly performed her comedy routine from the 1950s, and Dolly performed on three comedy albums with the Black Country Night Out team from 1976 to 1978. Dolly also continued to perform in pubs and clubs as a solo act,

Discography Albums Black Country Night Out – Volume One – Broadside Records – 1976 Black Country Night Out – Volume Two – Broadside Records – 1977 An Evening With The Original Black Country Night Out Show – Broadside Records – 1978 Dolly Allen – Broadside Records – 1978

Singles The Black Country Christmas Song – Beeswing Records, Zella Recording – 1979