Manchester Theatre History ⋆ The history of Manchester theatres and stars that appeared there

5th July 2023

Aladdin lands at the Hulme Hippodrome 1958

Manchester Hulme Hippodrome On 7th October 1901 the Grand Junction Theatre and Floral Hall Music Hall opened in Hulme. It was just under two miles from Manchester city centre, four years late In 1905 its name was changed to The Hulme Hippodrome. It was said to be as one of Manchester’s finest theatres with its gilded decorations, velvet seats and...

Hulme Hippodrome/pantomime Comments: 0

9th December 2022

‘Blind Tom’ scores a hit in 1866

On 25 Sep 1866 the newly renovated Theatre Royal, Manchester reopened with the famous ‘Blind Tom’ Wiggins topping the bill with his concerts every day for a week. His fame had preceded him. The crowds were eager to see this unusual type of performance. Not only was he blind but he composed music, he played the piano and sang, a...

The Theatre Royal Comments: 0

25th April 2022

Manchester Connects to the 3 Novello’s !

Clara Anastasia Novello – Opera Singer In August 1851 Clara Anastasia Novello, the famous acclaimed soprano, topped the bill when she appeared at The Theatre Royal in Manchester.. She was singing Italian opera and the theatre offered a book of the songs in Italian and English for sale. She appeared with a very impressive cast of famous opera singers such...

The Palace Theatre/The Theatre Royal Comments: 0

8th November 2021

One Theatre, 3 Shows and a Bomb !

The two opening Show’s in 1976 When the Royal Exchange Theatre opened for the first time on September 15th 1976 the atmosphere in the theatre and the surrounding auditorium was electrifying as the audience waited with baited breath to see the show. They were so excited to be witnessing the first plays in this new iconic experimental theatre which could...

Royal Exchnge Theatre Comments: 0

11th August 2021

Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre

Manchester is very lucky to have the unique Royal Exchange Theatre. It has been created in the iconic grade II listed Royal Exchange Building, which is situated in the city centre, it borders St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, Market Street, Cross Street and Old Bank Street. The Royal Exchange Building In 1809 The Royal Exchange opened in order to celebrate...

Royal Exchnge Theatre Comments: 0

17th May 2021

Fire destroys a Manchester Theatre ! 1844

The Catastrophic Fire On Tuesday 7th of May 1844, at 6 am, a great fire swept though the Theatre Royal on Fountain Street. Within an hour it had practically destroyed the whole building. Several fire engines speedily arrived on the scene to try and extinguish the fire. Amongst the fire engines that were present were ‘The Neptune‘, ‘The Water Witch‘,...

The Theatre Royal Comments: 0

25th February 2021

‘Hallabaloo’ in Blackpool 1941

Blackpool entertainment in World War Two Blackpool suffered only one air raid in World War Two, possibly this was because it was a seaside town with no heavy industry. There are stories that another reason for Blackpool being a safe haven was that Hitler wanting to retain it as a personal playground after the war. His dream was to have...

Blackpool Comments: 2

9th January 2021

Does your Spearmint lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight

“Does the Spearmint Lose Its Flavour on the Bedpost Overnight? “Does the Spearmint Lose Its Flavor on the Bedpost Overnight?” was written by Billy Rose, Marty Bloom and Ernest Breuer. It was first released in 1924 and was a huge hit for the tenor and baritone vocal team Ernie Hare and Billy Jones, who featured it in their radio programme...

Special songs Comments: 0

28th October 2020

1948 sees the Palace Theatre say ‘Thanks for the memory!’

Thanks for the Memory The title of this show was a master stroke for Donald Ross’s production show as it was pure nostagia. It starred a vast array of veteran theatre entertainers who the audiences held in their hearts with great fondness. It was a revival of music hall entertainment which played to capacity audiences during its touring years. Achieving...

The Prince's Theatre Comments: 0

11th August 2020

Guess who was the star attraction in July 1948!!

In 1948 the Palace theatre put on a different sort of variety show. It had 2 of the most popular acts of the day, Donald Peers from the United Kingdom and the Nicholas Brothers from America. I am not sure who was the bigger attraction for the fans. Amongst the supporting artistes were Tommy Fields, Ernest Arnley and Gloria Day,...

The Palace Theatre Comments: 0