About Graeme Smith

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About Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith is a chartered accountant, mainly involved in the building of new towns and the renewal of cities to enjoy the art of living. For a period in the 1990s he was the secretary and financial director of the Theatre Royal and of Scottish Opera. He is an honorary research fellow of the University of Strathclyde, and assisted Ships for a Nation, the story of John Brown`s of Clydebank. Graeme has written a number of articles about Theatres in Glasgow and has very kindly sent them in, with pictures, for inclusion on this site. His book, 'THE THEATRE ROYAL: Entertaining a Nation', produced in full colour, with 280 pages and around 400 illustrations of the people, performances and city it grew up with, is now available here. The introduction and list of contents are shown below. The book`s text is copyright the author Graeme Smith. THE THEATRE ROYAL Entertaining a Nation Introduction From Cowcaddens to the Colosseum, from Hope Street to Hollywood ………for entertainment, drama, pantomime, music and song this is the fascinating story…… lavishly illustrated….. of the Theatre Royal. Emerging from Music Halls to an Opera House and the national home of Scottish Opera and The Scottish Ballet the Theatre Royal is the oldest theatre in Glasgow, opening in 1867. It is also the largest example in Britain of the theatre designs of Charles Phipps. Right - Graeme Smith's new book 'THE THEATRE ROYAL: Entertaining a Nation' Click for more details and to buy the book online. Pantomime, plays, spectaculars, silent films, circuses, ballet, opera and television grew up with the Royal. Original documents trace its life and personalities, from its parentage in the 18th century, the influence of the Glover family here and overseas, its links with fine arts and the International Exhibitions, all expressing the confidence of Glasgow and the context of its times. It is also the birthplace of Howard & Wyndham Ltd, one of Britain`s major theatre companies, thanks to the Simons fruit businesses in Candleriggs; and the birthplace of commercial television in Scotland, thanks to Canadian Roy Thomson. For an encore there is a history of the previous Theatre Royal in Dunlop Street. …………..Let the curtain rise! THE THEATRE ROYAL Entertaining a Nation List of Contents: Programme 1867 onwards James Baylis - Music Hall millionaire Opening the Doors Theatre Royal and the Glover family Royal Performing Theatre all Around The Visit from Vulcan Money, Managers and Musical Chairs 1888 onwards Michael Simons creates Howard & Wyndham Ltd The Great War, Pictures, Plays, Operas, and Pantomime Stewart Cruikshank continues the Royal tradition War and Peace Fun in the Fifties …..and Farewell? 1957 onwards Roy Thomson creates Scottish Television Entertainment direct to your home Continuing success from Cowcaddens 1975 onwards Restoring the Theatre Royal, by public demand Scottish Opera at home The Scottish Ballet The Scottish Theatre Company and Other Galaxies Into the 21st Century Encore Theatres-Royal in Glasgow before 1867 List of Theatre Royal`s owners and lessees from 1867 Howard & Wyndham Epilogue Acknowledgements. Graeme has written a number of articles about Theatres in Glasgow and has very kindly sent them in, with pictures, for inclusion on this site. His book, 'THE THEATRE ROYAL: Entertaining a Nation', produced in full colour, with 280 pages and around 400 illustrations of the people, performances and city it grew up with, is now available here. The book`s text is copyright of the author Graeme Smith.
The Alhambra Glasgow by Graeme Smith Graeme Smith has also published this new book on the Alhambra Theatre Glasgow, full details below: Famous for glamour and humour, variety, pantomime, musicals, ballet, opera, drama and dance the immense ALHAMBRA THEATRE stayed ahead of other theatres. Opening in 1910, at the corner of Waterloo Street and Wellington Street, and designed by eminent architect Sir John James Burnet, its managing director Sir Alfred Butt gave “the best of European and American Vaudeville attractions” in the “Resort of the Elite.” Its founders supported cinema, jazz, cabaret and ballrooms. The complete history of the Glasgow Alhambra is told for the first time, in full colour, with 400 illustrations, in this new quality-bound softback book by Graeme Smith and is highly recommended. The book is priced just £20 and can be found in all good bookstores and online at the book`s own website www.glasgowalhambra.co.uk ISBN 978-0955942013 Graeme Smith is also the author of the book 'The Theatre Royal Entertaining A Nation' shown below.