Sunday 26 October 2008

THEATRE ROYAL - NETHERGATE - 1960'S

There were 3 "Theatre Royal's" in Dundee.
The first 2 being 19th century affairs in the main, means they won't get a mention on Retro.
The 3rd one being active in the 60's, means it will get a mention.
The building itself (located in the Nethergate) was originally called the People's Palace and had gone through quite a few changes over the decades. However, in 1965, Scottish entertainer, Calum Kennedy, became the new owner and it was he who gave it the Theatre Royal name.
It was rather short-lived under this name mind you, the theatre closing down around 1970. Then in 1977 the building was destroyed by fire and so was eventually demolished.
The first ad above was published in the local press in November 1965 and is for well known entertainer, Norman Vaughan.
Remember he had the short "ooh!" catchphrase.
Second is dated February 1966 and is for a show by famous comedian, Tony Hancock.
It snowed when Tony was in Dundee and he said it was so cold he had to run from the dressing room to the stage to get some heat from the lights..!!
April 1966 is the date of the third ad and on that occasion, crooner, Frankie Vaughan, was the entertainment on offer.
The fourth ad was published in November 1969 when Billy Fury was the main attraction.

1 comment:

  1. The Palace Theatre, as I know it, was located behind The Queens Hotel. After the fire, the hotel bought and cleared the site to create its car park.

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