History

The Betty Fox Stage School was founded in 1932 (in Selly Oak) in Birmingham, West Midlands by Betty Fox.

Betty’s love of performance and the theatre, together with her talents as a promising dancer, lead to a long and happy career in show business.

Betty Fox performed in London and after successful seasons, she returned to Birmingham to share her skills and experience with her students, and there began “The Betty Fox Stage School”.

Betty trained her students in all areas of the performing arts. The culmination of the training, lead to the creation of “The Betty Fox Babes”.

In 1938 Betty Fox provided the “60 Bright Eyes” in Cinderella for Emile Littler (“the Pantomime King”).

Betty worked closely with Emile for many years providing “Betty Fox Babes” for performances in his pantomimes all over the country.

Betty Fox Stage School became famous through “The Betty Fox Babes” as they appeared throughout England for 50 consecutive years.

Betty Fox Stage School continued to provide performers from as far afield as “The City Variety” Leeds and as near as the “Hippodrome”, Birmingham.

In 1984 Betty Fox’s contribution to the business was honoured by Cilla Black’s “Surprise, Surprise!” Former “Babes” travelled from near and far for the reunion. “It took place in London but it was Birmingham’s night. The centre of all the excitement, the focal point of the studio cameras was Betty Fox, the woman who for more than 50 years and a 152 pantomime has been in-charge of the largest family in the country – “The Betty Fox Babes” “
FRED NORRIS – EVENING MAIL 12TH MAY 1984

During the 1980’s and 1990’s the stage school continued under the direction of Betty Dale Fox, choreographer and niece of the founder.

Betty Fox Stage School began to evolve with the demands of the changing world. Emphasis was placed on preparing young performers for the profession for theatre, television and film.

Betty Dale Fox together with the support of her friend and dance teacher, Valerie Atkinson (an ex Betty Fox Babe) ensured that the students took examinations in Ballet.

They worked tirelessly fund raising for various charities through the stage school performances and productions. The culmination of Betty’s hard work resulted in The Gala Performance for “Save the Children”, in the presence of H.R.H Princess Anne.

At this time, Drama included performing original plays at the Edinburgh Fringe and working with up and coming new directors.

Since Betty Dales Fox’s retirement in 2002 the stage school has been owned by her protégé Abi Douglas and her mother Lynde.

Lynde’s debut began in the 1970’s in a film with Cliff Richard. She was runner up in the final heat of Rose of Tralee competition in Birmingham. She spent some time modelling. For many years Lynde then concentrated on a career in the law. Today, whilst running the stage school and teaching, Lynde continues with television appearances, commercial advertising and film work.

Abi was trained by Betty Dale Fox from the age of 4 and she made her first television appearance aged 5. She always adored dance and appeared with Anita Harris and Ron Moody in “Bertie” at the Alexandra Theatre, several Variety performances in Birmingham and at the Royal Albert Hall, London, performances at the Repertory Theatre and the Hippodrome, all through the Betty Fox Stage School and Agency.

"Bertie" Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, October 1995
Abi (centre) and some Betty Fox children

Following her mother’s footsteps, Abi models professionally now, photographic, catwalk runway, hair and television modelling. She continues to dance and perform and enjoys running the stage school and agency and working alongside her mother.

Abi Douglas

Lynde and Abi have now brought the Betty Fox Stage School forward. The Betty Fox Stage School has moved home. We now have bright studios and large rehearsal rooms. The environment is safe and secure. Betty Fox Stage School now has its own “hallway of fame!”

In 2007, decades after the birth of the first “Betty Fox Babes”, Lynde and Abi were invited to bring along the next generation of “Betty Fox Babes” to appear at Dudley Concert Hall. It was a commemorative show to celebrate the memory of Billy Dainty. One of Betty Fox’s original “Babes” was not a girl dancer, but a boy! Betty Fox taught Dudley born Billy Dainty the first steps of his craft that made him one of the country’s best loved comedians.
Billy Dainty always paid tribute to Betty Fox for his training and destiny.

The stage school now has two examination sessions a year, in ballet, tap, modern, theatre craft/jazz and freestyle. Cheerleading has been introduced, along with a dance and choreography, vocal training and music classes.

The Agency has progressed to supplying children for television, commercials, voice-overs for T.V, film and radio, modelling photographic and location shoots, fashion shows and festivals.
Theatre work has widened to throughout the UK.
The Agency now also supplies its own approved chaperones.

Betty Fox Stage School continues to encourage, train and promote dance, drama and vocal training, so that we remain the first choice for Theatre, Film, Television, Radio and promotions in the West Midlands and throughout the United Kingdom.