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The Tivoli Variety Theatre, 625 Argyle Street, Anderston Cross, Glasgow

Formerly - The Argyle Street Varieties - Later - The Gaiety Theatre / Glasgow Concert Hall

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At Anderston Cross a new variety theatre firstly called Argyle Street Varieties opened in 1899 as the Tivoli Variety Theatre under the partnership of Bernard Armstrong and Thomas Colquhoun, who was a grandson of James and Christina Baylis, creators of the Theatre Royal, Hope Street, and of the Scotia/ MetropoleTheatre, Stockwell Street. It presented musicals, variety shows and pantomimes often with artistes who had appeared at the Metropole.

Right - Thumbnail of a Tivoli Theatre programme held at the excellent 'Glasgow Story' Website. To see the programme and read information about it click here.

WF Frame helped the new partnership and in 1904 the Tivoli was substantially rebuilt, changing its name to the Glasgow Gaiety. The reopening gala was attended by Lord Provost Sir John Ure-Primrose and city magistrates.

Left - Thumbnail of a Gaiety Theatre programme held at the excellent 'Glasgow Story' Website. To see the programme and read information about it click here.

This Gaiety Theatre should not be confused with the Gaiety Theatre in Sauchiehall Street.

In 1909 it became a cine-variety house and after remodeling in 1935 a full cinema.

By 1960 the cinema had closed but after the disastrous fire which destroyed the city`s St Andrews Halls the Corporation of Glasgow took it over and adapted it as a temporary replacement for concerts, known as Glasgow Concert Hall, until its final closure in 1968.

The above text was written and kindly sent for inclusion on the site by Graeme Smith, whose new book 'THE THEATRE ROYAL: Entertaining a Nation', is detailed here.