Wilson, Keppel and Betty formed a popular British music hall and vaudeville act in the middle decades of the 20th century.

The "sand dance" that formed the highlight of their act was a parody of postures from Egyptian tomb paintings, combined with references to Arabic costume.

[2][3] In 1920 the duo travelled to Canada where they toured in a comedy tap dancing act, later also performing in vaudeville venues in the United States.

By 1928 they were performing as 'The Bus Boys'[4] and in this year Kansas-born chorus girl Betty Knox (Alice Elizabeth Peden, 10 May 1906 – 25 January 1963) joined the act at Des Moines, Iowa.

Typically these acts would last about ten minutes, and be repeated twelve times a week (matinee and evening performance, every day except Sunday) in variety theatres all over the country.

[15] A simplified rendition of their sand dance was performed by Matt Berry and Harry Peacock in the 'Bob a Job' episode of Toast of London, broadcast on 9 December 2015.

Steve Martin's "Funky Tut" routine, broadcast on "Saturday Night Live" on 22 April 1978, owes much to their sand dance.

Melly was mistaken in this as each dancer was part of the act for years or was on a short-term contract; all agreed, however, that Wilson and Keppel were a joy to work with.