elen started his career as a solo performer and briefly worked at the old marylebone theatre in a 'blackface' comedy double act with a man named daniels, who died in a boating accident a few years after the partnership was formed. after the death of daniels, he returned to being a solo performer and bought the rights to "never introduce your donah to a pal" from the song's writer a.e durandeau, (donah was cockney slang meaning girlfriend). the song was performed on stage on 4 june 1891, at harewood's varieties in hoxton. elen performed songs and sketches as the character of an old east end costermonger and became known as a 'coster' comedian. elen drew inspiration from his experiences of growing up around people, similar to that of his persona on stage. elen's performances were often misinterpreted as being a self caricature, but were performed in a realistic and simplistic manner, one that made him popular with his audiences.