Thanks to Ann and Chris for identifying Howell & Lilley being mentioned on this December 1941 Alex Theatre event. As I've said earlier, Harry George Howell was my Grandfather ("Pop" we called him) and he certainly was in the Home Guard. My Dad was only 2 or 3 at the time. I would agree that niether Howell nor Lilley appear to be on the photos on the site referred to - but the programme images are fascinatiing, and not just because of the reference to Howell & Lilley. I also notice that 2 other people are mentioned whom I met and recall. Firstly, Thelma White, who by an amazing coincidence lived at the bottom end of Hartledon Road, Harborne, a few doors down from where my wife lived with her parents - before we married in 1983. I met Thelma in 1974 at the 40th wedding anniversary of Nan and "Pop" at the Masonic Hall, Stechford (now derelict or pulled down) - and was introduced to her as someone who played the theatres with Pop.
And finally, the billing refers to Billy Lewis as Accompanist. Again, I met him in the early 1970's as my brother Macolm has natural musical talent / keyboard / piano, and so Pop was trying to encourage him to have lessons off Billy Lewis - who he had known since the performing days of Howell & Lilley. So, whilst incidental to anyone else, to me it's remarkable that names of people I met through Pop are also "coming to life" again via this forum and the excellent postings. Thanks again. Nigel.