Urchin's Song — Rita Bradshaw

Growing up in the crushing poverty of squalid East End of 1890s Sunderland, Josie Burns is no stranger to cold and hunger. She and her brothers and sisters were sent out to beg as soon as they could walk, but by the time she is seven, Josie's beautiful voice earns her enough in the pubs for her father to leave them alone. That is, until he decides to take little Gertie to work the streets. Josie and Gertie flee to Newcastle, and there she starts a new life in the music hall. Her popularity grows and brings her wealth, but this leads to heartbreak. There are many obstacles to overcome, but Josie has learnt her lesson, that she must fight for what she believes. An uncanny ability to spin a good yarn SUNDERLAND ECHO