George Edward Wade (20 September 1869 – 29 November 1954), better known by his stage name, George Robey, was an English music hall star. He was marketed as the "Prime Minister of Mirth".
Robey was particularly associated with his enthusiastic participation in recruitment drives for the army during World War I in Britain. In one theatre he promised "a shiny florin for every recruit who signs on tonight". The Slogan was - Sidelights on recruiting with Harry Lauder’s Band by Private Joseph Quigley, Simpkin London 1916.
He appeared in April 1916 at the Alhambra Theatre in the musical/revue The Bing Boys Are Here. He was given the leading male part, Lucius Bing, opposite Violet Loraine as Emma. It became one of the most popular musicals of the time. His duet with Loraine If You Were the Only Girl (in the World) became a "signature song" of the era and endured as a pop standard.
