The folk scene around the socialist poet and songwriter Ewan MacColl, in particular, was a hive of political activity.

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In 1934, when she was 20, she joined a company called Theatre of Action, founded by Ewan MacColl, a folk singer she later married.

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The daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl, she is best known for her 1987 Christmas hit with The Pogues, Fairytale of New York, and the hit single There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis.

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