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Following the success of Terry Kirtland's book 'Old Theatres of the Midlands' a new thrice yearly Magazine edited by Ted Bottle is now available by subscription at only £6.66 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:

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

OLD THEATRES magazine --- Summer 2010 edition

BIGGER, BETTER, BRIGHTER !

Readers of OLD THEATRES magazine, (cherishing Britain’s superb halls of entertainment and the artists who play them,) will be delighted with the announcement that it has increased in size with more colour pages, plus over 100 illustrations. And it doesn’t just stop there! In future, there will now be three editions each year, plus an in-between issues Newsletter providing “behind the scenes” information. It is fabulous!

There’s no doubt, about it! This new Summer 2010 edition is, positively, the very best we have produced—a great tribute to the retired authors and journalists who produce, with the help of yourselves, our readers. Together with the Patronage of Mr. Ken Dodd OBE, Mr. Duggie Chapman MBE, and Qdos Entertainment, we know you will be delighted with our efforts.

The cover, showing the restored Wakefield Opera House theatre, is, we think the best we have done so far. But we felt this theatre, where the Frank Matcham Society was formed, deserved more. So you can now enjoy two very different articles about this early Frank Matcham designed theatre that escaped demolition. One is an article outlining the history of the building, with rare pictures taken during its twilight years. The second article deals with the work of drama teacher and professional actor, the late Arthur Starkie, founder of the FMS, who was honoured by cutting the cake at its centenary.

But the magazine opens with a bit of a revelation, with a whole page of colour photographs revealing the entire auditorium of the London Hippodrome which has not been seen for decades. The amazing reveal took place when workmen moved in to remove false ceilings and walls inside the building from its previous uses, including its conversion to a cabaret restaurant. But there was more: The reveal shows the circus ring and water tank designed by Matcham from when the Hippodrome was first constructed as a circus, complete with water tank. We think you will be amazed at the sight of the auditorium after being hidden away for so many years. As one of our colleagues commented: “It was like seeing theTitanic for the first time”.

Our in depth article features the very beautiful Theatre Royal, Margate, now a fully fledged theatre again, where many artistes have trodden its boards, including the legendary Charlie Chaplin. There are twelve illustrations of past and present days, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of this historic hall. There are, of course, departures, which include the--soon to be demolished--Nelson Palace, which we have featured in earlier editions. Another casualty is Wrexham Hippodrome, which bowed out by fire before its demolition. But, thankfully, photographs taken 25 years ago recall the hall in its prime. And, thanks to Warwickshire County Records Office, we can reveal the final moments of Nuneaton Hippodrome with poignant pictures taken of its final days. There are also poignant pictures of Chatham Theatre Royal which has seen its interior ripped out as it “reached the point of no return”.

And there is another spectacular article about the loss in Scotland of Dunfermline Opera House, which was abandoned in the late eighties. But by a turn of fate it was sold and its interior was dismantled and shipped to Florida, America. The elaborate process is outlined in the magazine along with illustrations, and finally, we have received colour photographs showing its resurrection as the Asola Theatre, Sarasota. Our loss is America’s gain, but, through a “special offer”, readers can purchase a DVD made by Talisman Films, describing artistes who played the theatre, the work entailed in removing the interior of the theatre, and its subsequent Florida re-build.

Back in Britain, Margaret Herbert, Chairman of the Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre describes how their work to save the theatre is progressing, and readers also can see some of the very pictures of artistes who played there in its early days, which received a very high valuation on The Antiques Road Show. And, as we went to press, we learned of two worthy theatre enterprises—one to bring back to live Workington Opera House, and the other to add to the uses of Eastbourne Royal Hippodrome which it is hoped will become a major centre for media and performing arts, with programmes and activities for all sections of the community. So: “Watch this space !”

On the technical side, we learn the part played by advertising cloths in theatres, backed up with some very rare illustrations; and there is an article about our theatres during the War (many of which suffered from bomb damage). Our “Sleeping Beauty” in this edition is Manchester’s Hulme Hippodrome, shown in a special colour section, while more Manchester theatres are also recalled by our historian. Of particular note are early pictures taken of entertainments on Aberystwyth Pier, and of its hidden theatre, which today has quite a different use.

Remaining in Wales, our artist’s profile is that of Britain’s famous pantomime Dame, Wyn Calvin, the Prince of Welsh Laughter, whose work on stage now spans over 60 years; while theatre manager, Leslie Irons explains how he learned the art of serrapsallism (playing the musical saw), and we also include details of an active theatre built into a castle wall in West Sussex. We are sure you will agree that there is something for everybody in this quite magnificent packed edition, which welcomes your support.

You may also E Mail oldtheatres@googlemail.com for more information. Please visit our web pages: www.oldtheatres.co.uk which are shortly to undergo a total re-vamp.

We know you will be interested in what we are doing, and we’ll be delighted to hear from you---as a theatre devotee like ourselves; or as a member of a theatrical group performing on stage; or by supporting your local theatre as a member of the audience. Just JOIN IN !

Please don’t miss out ! 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 £6.66 (which includes UK postage and packing). *Copies can also be 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 to oldtheatres@googlemail.com to be welcomed aboard.

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

www.oldtheatres.co.uk