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Following the success of Terry Kirtland's book 'Old Theatres of the Midlands' a new twice yearly Magazine edited by Ted Bottle is now available by subscription at only £6 including UK post and packing. This Magazine is a must read for anyone interested in Theatre Architecture, Lost Theatres, and what went on in them. Packed with fascinating information and interesting photographs of Theatres that have, for the most part, disappeared into history. Terry talks about the latest edition below:

OLD THEATRES Spring edition 2010 Just get in touch and JOIN IN !

The Spring 2010 edition of OLD THEATRES is now available, and what a trip down memory lane it is, as readers join in with their reminiscences. It really is your cherished magazine on Britain’s theatres—past and present !

Our ‘Sleeping Beauty’, Plymouth Palace will certainly draw your attention as it continues to fade away. But, we are able to show you exclusive pictures of when it was a lively variety theatre. In fact our wonderful cover page, shows the auditorium in all its glory in full colour. We chart the history of this wonderful building with views around the auditorium and back stage.

Leading us into the new edition, we have an in depth article into the continuing restoration of a great Frank Matcham theatre, the fabulous Kings Theatre at Southsea, which is looking better than it has done for years, as a result of efforts by teams of volunteers. They have certainly turned the tables on the once expressed view that “demolition was the only option”. No more ! The Kings just glows with gilt and plush. You will be impressed by the many illustrations we have obtained, and the full report on its history and hopes for the future.

Last Summer we went across to the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier to report on their long running Seaside Special show which continues to break records. And, of course, we were welcomed behind the scenes during rehearsals--so not only were we able to soak up the atmosphere of the building, we were also able to enjoy the performance. As you will see from your copy of OLD THEATRES, the story of the Pavilion Theatre is quite amazing; and we are sure that many of our readers will be heading for the pier this summer to join in the fun of a true variety spectacular.

We were dismayed that a great Midlands variety theatre, DUDLEY HIPPODROME, had closed its doors. It was one of the last theatres to be built before the War, and was last used for bingo. We show you how it was during its show biz days, and International Comedy Entertainer, Kenny Cantor, joins us to tell about his days there. He arrived for a four week show, but stayed at the Hippodrome for a year presenting fast moving revues.

Readers recall, too, the wonderful days of variety at London’s much missed Metropolitan Theatre, right up to its final performance in 1963 and subsequent demolition for a road improvement scheme. Some were turned away for the last show, and the disused gallery had to be hurriedly re-opened.

We show pictures of how it was and of the building’s final fate.

And our correspondent, Brian O’Gorman, son of Joe O’Gorman (who played variety theatres all over the country) remarks on the costumes worn by artistes which gave them immediate identification to their audiences, with illustrations of Alma Cogan (the girl with the giggle in her voice), and the unforgettable Max Miller instantly recognisable by his flowery suit and white trilby hat.

It has to be said: OLD THEATRES magazine is packed with news and interesting articles and developments, together with over 100 illustrations in every Edition. There is more on the plight of DERBY HIPPODROME, which is still open to the sky, but support for its future continues to grow. And we have more excellent colour photographs of the THEATRE ROYAL, HYDE, another dormant theatre with a large body of local supporters who are anxious to see its return to ‘live’ theatre.

Also in colour is a unique Phipps’ theatre, the DUBLIN GAIETY who welcomed us in the preparation of a SPECIAL FEATURE enabling you to marvel at its magical auditorium which is as near to perfection that you can for an interior from this great master designer. Almost like a beautiful toy theatre, the auditorium produces amazement from every angle.

On the technical side, we explain how ‘water dimmers’ were used to produce different lighting effects in theatres before being replaced by today’s more modern apparatus. So, it’s a question of “know your pots !” Still on the subject of electrical workings in theatres, Bob Morgan describes his work of restoring old theatre lanterns and the valued friends he met along the way. While regular contributor, Geoff Lord begins his story on the much missed BURNLEY PALACE, a theatre where he worked and which he “had a love affair with !” Geoff recalls its F.J.B management days and says they were “exciting times.”

Looking back to the theatrical personalities of yesteryear, we describe the early years in variety and revue of Dame Gracie Fields when the company endured all the worst aspects of variety touring, but with a lot of laughs along the way, particularly at Aberystwyth where they had to borrow a piano to use for performances. But some of the small audiences were a blessing in disguise.

OLD THEATRES magazine was also delighted to re-inforce its association with the Arthur Lloyd website which also highlights Britain’s iconic theatres and seeks your support. Over the next few months OLD THEATRES web pages www.oldtheatres.co.uk will also be expanded, and the magazine itself will now be produced three times a year, with additional pages to come.

Please join us by writing to us at 20, Rife Way, Felpham, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 7BW.

You may also E Mail oldtheatres@googlemail.com for more information.

If you are interested in what we are doing, we would be delighted to hear from you---as a theatre devotee like ourselves, or as a member of a theatrical group performing on stage or supporting your local theatre as a member of the audience.

We’ll be delighted to arrange for a copy of the magazine to be posted off to you. please send us your address details along with a cheque for £6 (which includes UK postage). *Copies are also posted overseas after we have advised you on the postage costs.

Your cheque should be made payable to:

T.G. Kirtland, 20, Rife Way, Felpham, BOGNOR REGIS, West Sussex, PO22 7BW

Theatre managements should give details of their

Marketing Manager/Director along with E Mail details.

We will be delighted to add reciprocal ‘links’ to our Web Pages.

Just send us an E Mail and JOIN IN !

All of us at OLD THEATRES magazine sent our warmest wishes to you, and look forward to hearing from you in support, so that Britain’s wonderful halls of entertainment can go forward to serve future generations of theatregoers.

www.oldtheatres.co.uk

 

 

 

Web www.arthurlloyd.co.uk