PERFORMING IN PERTH

Perth Theatre has undergone many changes in recent years, but its historic identity and its links to a colourful past remain intact 100 years ago

Opened in 1900, Perth Theatre has seen a fair few big names in its long history. Renowned thespians Walter Carr, Alec Guinness, Donald Sutherland, Edward Woodward, David Tennant, silent movie star Bessie Love and Fair City-born Ewan McGregor have all trodden the boards at 185 High Street.

Designed by Dundee’s city architect William Alexander, the Victorian-era premises were bought by Ernest Dence and his actress daughter

Marjorie in 1935, and they swiftly staged Scotland’s first theatre festival and started a novel repertory programme that ran right up to 1966.

The venue’s upgrades were modest until a huge revamp completed in late 2017.

Today’s main photo shows comedian Chic Murray at the

theatre with members of his summer show chorus in 1967.

Above left is the venue’s former frontage as it looked when unveiled in 1980, with hairdressers Pam and Ian Dougall above right showing off some of their specially designed creations ahead of a Perth production in 1995.

Dundee magistrates are to use their influence in order to try to avoid Sunday evening concerts in the Caird Hall clashing with the hour of public worship.

A deputation representing the city’s Protestant churches and religious agencies, mostly ministers, have invited their assistance in an endeavour to secure more strict observance of the Sabbath.

For many years, 6.30pm on a Sunday has been recognised as the hour of public worship, and the clergy sincerely and earnestly believe that the organising or licensing of concerts or such like during that hour is not in the interests of the city.

SUMMER SEASON: Chic Murray with dancers Elizabeth Russell, Marie Wilson, Mary Doherty and Lilian Gow in June 1967.

Crimpers Pam and Ian Dougall and costume wigs, late 1995.

This showy Perth Theatre facade from 1980 didn’t last long.