Memories of theatres

Dear Editor,

Who can remember the great days of yesteryear when Scotland produced so many talented variety acts?

Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, musicians; names like Robert Wilson, Lex McLean, Jack Milroy, Moira Anderson, Johnny Victory, Andy Stewart, the Alexander Brothers, Calum Kennedy, Harry Gordon, Will Fyfe, Jimmy Logan & the Logan Family – the list could go on.

At one time Glasgow alone had 18 theatres, like the Alhambra, King’s, Pavilion, Queen’s, Theatre Royal, Metropole, Empress, Glasgow Empire.

Today one of the most popular TV shows,“Britain‘s Got Talent”, is basically a variety show.

I am the secretary of the Scottish music hall and variety theatre society which has about 240 members, most of whom are from the theatregoing public, and quite a few of the acts from those days.

The aim of the society is to keep alive the memories of those great days of variety theatre and to hopefully try and bring it up to date with today’s acts.

If you would be interested in joining our society or indeed passing on any of your own memories, please contact me – by emailing bob.bain@ntlworld.com, calling 0141 578 4208 or writing to 69 Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Kirkintilloch G66 5DJ. Bob Bain, Kirkintilloch