The magic of the old theatres of the Midlands is brought back to life in a new book by retired journalist and theatre fan Terry Kirtland.
Terry got hooked on live theatre and variety as a youngster but has over the years seen many traditional theatres disappear forever.
Some burned down, others were demolished after closure, and at least two in Birmingham were destroyed by Luftwaffe bombs.
Yet others, such as Shrewsbury Music Hall, have survived.
Terry, who lives in retirement near Machynlleth, first started making notes for his book “Old Theatres of The Midlands” 50 years ago when, to his horror, the theatre where he saw his first pantomime - the Wolverhampton Hippodrome - burned to the ground.
During his years as chief reporter at the Express & Star’s Lichfield office from 1960 until the mid 1980s he was to see the demise of many other theatres and his book reflects on the passing of a golden age on the local variety scene.
Among theatres whose names will still resonate with Midlands theatregoers of yesteryear are Bilston Theatre Royal, the Prince of Wales theatre in Birmingham, and the Theatre Royal and Hippodrome in Wednesbury.
He is marketing the book privately as a limited edition.
“I am really surprised at how much interest is being shown in it,” he said.
“I suppose I have really captured a bit of the past here, as my sole intention was to have the information available not only for those, like myself, who looked forward to their weekly visits to their local variety theatre, but also to those born in the television age who remembered the last of the great variety shows like Sunday Night at the London Palladium.”
The book contains details of theatres past and present, together with colourful memories of those who appeared on their stages and from members of their audiences. It also includes rare photographs of Shrewsbury’s Theatre Royal.
“During my retirement years in Snowdonia, it occurred to me last April that I must do something to get these memories into print, if only for posterity.
“Throughout my researches, I have been told that there are theatre supporters throughout the country who are eager to get their hands on a copy, and it seems that they are right.”
Just before the book was due to be sent off to the printers, he received a phone call from Ken Dodd, asking if he could write the foreword.
Terry has researched Shrewsbury Music Hall, with help from the management, although as it happens it is not a theatre of which he has direct memories.
“Shrewsbury Music Hall is a fascinating place, steeped in history. The friendly management do a wonderful job in presenting such a variety of shows there which are all very well supported.
“However, the town really needs a larger theatre with better facilities, and the new Theatre Severn will do just that. I am very much looking forward to visiting it.
“It is great that the atmosphere of the old Music Hall will remain when it becomes part of the town’s tourist centre. Here in Wales, the former Coliseum theatre at Aberystwyth has been preserved virtually intact since its adaptation as a visitor centre and heritage museum.
“And if this can happen at the Music Hall, it will be a wonderful achievement.”
Details of “Old Theatres of the Midlands” can be viewed on www.oldtheatres.co.uk and copies are available from the author at The Coach House, Minllyn, Dinas Mawddwy, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9LP, price £10, plus postage and packing of £1.39. (Cheques should be made payable to T.G. Kirtland)
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