He toured music halls around the country, as a singer, musician and dancer, usually performing as a solo entertainer but occasionally in a double act with Joseph A. Cave.
His dancing was so good that he was invited to judge champion dancing competitions, and he was regarded as a fine musician, playing piano, banjo, violin – on which he played impressions of animal noises – guitar, and bones.
His impressions of "negro life" ranged from refined and sympathetic portrayals to parody.
He retired from the stage in early middle age, and settled in Enfield, Middlesex, where he became a respected grower of roses.
He then returned to the stage for several years, for financial reasons, and repeated his previous success.