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Dedicated to Arthur Lloyd, 1839 - 1904.


Aberdeen Theatres and Halls

His Majesty's Theatre - The Music Hall - The Palace Theatre - The Theatre Royal - The Tivoli Theatre / Her Majesty's Theatre - The Bon-Accord Music Hall

His Majesty's Theatre, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen

A Google StreetView Image of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen today - Click to Interact

Above - A Google StreetView Image of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen today - Click to Interact

His Majestys Theatre, Aberdeen during the run of Can-Can on the 30th of January 1956 - Courtesy Gerry AtkinsHis Majesty's Theatre, in Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen, was designed by the renowned Theatre Architect Frank Matcham at a cost of £35,000 and opened on the 3rd of December 1906 with a production of the pantomime 'Little Red Riding Hood'. (This Theatre should not be confused with the earlier Her Majesty's Theatre on Guild Street, which later became the Tivoli.)

Right - His Majestys Theatre, Aberdeen during the run of Can-Can on the 30th of January 1956 - Courtesy Gerry Atkins.

The Theatre is situated above the Union Terrace Gardens and was built from Kemnay White Granite and has an imposing copper covered dome. The auditorium with its Roman Classical style plasterwork was built on four levels with three curved balconies, and proscenium boxes, and could accommodate an impressive 2,300 people when the Theatre opened, but today this is a more modest 1,400. The stage of the Theatre today has a 30 foot opening, flanked by a pink marble proscenium which has a frieze above by W. H. Buchan depicting robed figures.

Robert ArthurThe Theatre was the brainchild of Robert Arthur, of Glasgow, shown left, who started his group of Theatres in the late 1880s including Her Majesty's Theatre, Dundee, and others in England. He took a lease of Her Majesty's Opera House, Aberdeen  (later to be  named the Tivoli) in Guild Street from 1891 and started to look for a site for a new Theatre. His plans for Rosemount Viaduct were submitted to Aberdeen City Council in 1901, construction starting in 1904, and completed in 1906.

With an increasing number of Theatres in Scotland, and in England, such as the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and  the Royal Court, Liverpool, Robert Arthur floated his company on the Stock Exchange in 1897. He presented the whole range of plays, opera, revues and pantomimes until the company ran out of funds in 1912.

Britain's Premier Theatre Circuit listing - Howard & Wyndham Ltd, 1954, including His Majesty's, Aberdeen, as shown on the rear cover of a programme - Courtesy Graeme Smith.Michael Simons of the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, chairman and founder of Howard & Wyndham Ltd, was invited to become chairman of the Robert Arthur group and the Arthur Theatres continued, now  operating under the same directors and managers of Howard & Wyndham. Quality plays, revues, opera, ballet, musicals and pantomimes filled the Theatre.

Right - Britain's Premier Theatre Circuit listing - Howard & Wyndham Ltd, 1954, including His Majesty's, Aberdeen, as shown on the rear cover of a programme - Courtesy Graeme Smith.

Robert Arthur Theatres Ltd, through Michael Simons, sold the theatre in 1923 to Walter Gilbert, managing director of the Tivoli Theatre. On his death it was bought in 1932 by Councillor James F. Donald, of cinema and dance hall note. James Donald refurbished the venue and introduced features such as external neon lighting, a cinema projector and a revolving stage. Gilbert's son and the Donald family managed it until 1939 when the lease, programming and production passed to Howard & Wyndham Ltd  (of which Peter Donald became a director)  continuing until the late 1960s when Peter Donald and family took full control.

In 1982 the Theatre had a £3 million refurbishment and was reopened on the 17th of September by Prince Charles, having been closed for the previous 23 months.

The Theatre was again closed on the 13th March 2004, this time for a redevelopment project costing nearly £8 million and funded by the Aberdeen City Council, The Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund, and Scottish Enterprise Grampian.

The redevelopment included the refurbishment and modernisation of the front of house areas, the building of a new restaurant, coffee shop, and a corporate hospitality suite, a new Green Room and rehearsal room backstage, with improved dressing rooms. The auditorium was also refurbished and the seating re-upholstered.

Now over a hundred years old His Majesty's Theatre is still going strong, and is Aberdeen's Major Theatre for large scale musicals, pantomimes, ballet, opera, and all the major touring productions from London's West End and the provinces.

You may like to visit the Theatre's own Website here.

Some of the information for this Theatre was kindly sent in by Graeme Smith.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

Percy Court writes on his time working at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen from a postcard sent in 1907.In 'Memories of Show Business' by Percy Court he writes briefly on his time working at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen saying:- "We had a few days vacation prior to opening at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen. A most beautiful theatre, a wonderful staff in a beautiful city. Mrs. Court and myself enjoyed our stroll round this city of granite - of the north.

Right - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen and the statue of Wallace - From a Postcard.

Outside the portico of the theatre is a huge statue of Wallace - that great Scottish patriot. He must have been a veritable "Goliath" and would have been a great "draw" to any circus. At the base is what he thought of all intruders to Caledonia - he certainly was very candid. He spoke his mind.

We lived in Union Street, over Boots Chemists, it was an easy distance to the theatre. We opened to an absolutely packed house and I never saw, in my long life, such an array of Scottish pageantry before. Parties of dignified families were numerous and filled this beautiful theatre to enjoy our circus offering. The passionate patriotism of their country is exemplified by the display of gorgeous "tartans" - "The exemplary badge of bravery" whilst the little girls added a great charm, wearing velvet capes, which added to the scene.

His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen - From a PostcardMr. Donald, the managing director, was very pleased with the show which included the 5 Australian Aces - a thrilling motor-cycle riding on an inclined plane - with acrobatic stunts. Also Tom Davis Trio - motoring in mid-air - in which all three pass and re-pass each other whilst the track, a grilled tea cup track, is hoisted by cables and a "crab" or "drum' about ten foot high - whilst they continue racing at fifty miles per hour - until the track is lowered.

Left - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen - From a Postcard.

Our last spectacle was Chipperfield's Lions. The trainer "Dick Chipperfield put his beasts through various tricks to earn the plaudits of the patrons - a Grand Finale! The stage at H.M. Theatre, Aberdeen, is twenty four feet from street level. We had at least twenty-eight horses - these were all stabled outside of the theatre. The lions and other dangerous animals were housed at the theatre. A portion of the stage functioned as a lift and four horses could be accommodated either to travel up or down.

At this period, 1943 - 1944, it was operated by six men - three each side, synchronising. On New Years night, after the performance, an accident occurred - either a man slipped, or was tired - let the handle free. A very big man, of huge dimension, stepped forward to catch the handle - he failed - it decapitated this brave fellow but it broke the impact of the journey to the cellar and the four horses were unhurt. Mr. Donald made provision for his widow and a collection was made among the artists which was in figures...

A Colour Postcard of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.Our visit was coupled with fine weather - it seemed anomalous to me - that at Bradford and Leeds - it was very cold - yet here, hundreds of miles further north, it was fairly warm.

Right - A Colour Postcard of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.

We stayed at this four weeks and only a sprinkling of snow - on two occasions. I shall always have happy memories of Aberdeen. The citizens were enthusiastic with our circus representations. We were feted everywhere - invitations to Scottish gatherings and parties after the show, whilst the directors invited Mrs. Court and myself to the Caledonian Hotel, which we appreciated. Later a really "big K' was given by Mr. Donald - on the last performance before we departed - down south."

From 'Memories of Show Business' by Percy Court.

The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen

Formerly - Assembly Rooms / County Hall

A Google StreetView Image of the Aberdeen Music Hall whilst undergoing refurbishment in 2017/18 - Click to Interact.

Above - A Google StreetView Image of the Aberdeen Music Hall whilst undergoing refurbishment in 2017/18 - Click to Interact.

The Music Hall is situated on Union Street, Aberdeen, and was first opened as Aberdeen's Assembly Rooms in 1822. The building was designed by the local architect Archibald Simpson and cost over £11,000 to construct, a considerable amount at the time.

The building was later reconstructed internally as a Concert Hall, to the designs of James Matthews. Construction began in May 1858, and it reopened as the Aberdeen Music Hall in September 1859. The Illustrated London News reported on the opening in their 1st of October 1859 edition, along with the sketch shown below, saying:- 'This hall, in which his Royal Highness inaugurated the sittings of the British Association for 1859, may now be said to be completed. Its erection was begun in the month of May, 1858, after a design by Mr. James Matthews, architect. The following details respecting it are from the Aberdeen Journal:- "The extreme length of the hall is 150 feet, and it is 68 feet wide and 50 feet high. The orchestra is about 50 feet deep, and will accommodate about 300 vocal and instrumental performers. Galleries run along the two sides and the east end of the hall over the entrance-lobby from Silver-street. This lobby is 26½ feet by 14½ feet, and a granite stair leads from each side of it to the lobbies.

The walls above the galleries are divided into compartments by coupled pilasters, having architrave, frieze, and cornice, with rich medallions, &c., at the height of 40 feet from the floor. A part of the ceiling is flat, but divided into thin compartments, formed into elliptical panels. The sides and ends of the ceiling are covered down to the top of the principal cornice, and are divided by ribs rising from the pilasters.

The main entrances are, from Union-street, by the handsome corridor of the original building, and, from Silver-street, by the lobby already mentioned. There is a separate entrance from Golden-square for the performers, leading to five retiring-rooms for them, three of which (small) will be appropriated to soloists, and two (large) to choristers...

The Interior of the Aberdeen Music Hall on its opening in September 1859 - From the ILN, October 1st 1859.

Above - The Interior of the Aberdeen Music Hall on its opening in September 1859 - From the ILN, October 1st 1859.

...The hall is lighted by three sunlights in the ceiling, the centre one having 288 burners, and the others 144 each. By means of these the whole hall is said to be lighted, and there is a total absence of glare, as well as of excessive heat, which generally accompanies the distribution of a number of gaseliers through a building. The sunlights are placed in triple cones, which serve the purpose at once of preventing the heat of the gas from injuring the ceiling, and of promoting the ventilation of the building, the rarefaction by the heat of the gas causing a rapid current of air to pass through the cones. The heated air further finds egress through perforations in the plaster of the roof, which are so contrived as to add to the decoration of the ceiling. The fresh air is supplied at the floor of the hall by means of gratings, which communicate by flues with the outside; and this air can, when required, be heated by being made to pass over a series of hot-water pipes running round the hall below the floor."' - The Aberdeen Journal, reprinted in the ILN of 1st October 1859.

The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen - From The Builder, 14th of May 1898.

Above - The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen - From The Builder, 14th of May 1898.

An Advertisement for the Music Hall, Aberdeen - From The Aberdeen People's Journal 10th September 1898.The Aberdeen Music Hall first opened in September 1859 and has presented Music Hall, Concerts, Lectures, Meetings, and all manner of events right up to the present day. Some years after it first opened The Builder reported briefly on the building, along with the image shown above, in their 14th of May 1898 edition saying:- 'Returning to Union-street, we find higher up the massive colonnaded front of the Music Hall (see lithograph above) formerly called the County Hall; nothing could be plainer or more academical than this square block with the pilasters at the angles and the orthodox Ionic columns to the portico; and yet it looks so massive and strong in the hard granite, and the capitals are such excellent pieces of conscientious workmanship, that there is a satisfaction about the building nevertheless.

Right - An Advertisement for the Music Hall, Aberdeen - From The Aberdeen People's Journal 10th September 1898.

It is a pity that people are allowed to disfigure the colonnade (as shown in the illustration) by using the columns as supports for advertisement boards. Careful workmanship, we may observe, seems to be one characteristic of Aberdeen architecture, and here again we may trace the influence of the prevalent materials; if you have to work detail in granite, it takes so much working to do it at all that it is worth while to do it well.

The interior lobby of the music hall, with its columned screen at each end, and elliptical dome, is a graceful piece of interior treatment. The architect was Mr. Simpson, the designer of what we called the cast-iron Gothic of the East Church; his sympathies and capabilities seem to have been more in the direction of classic design.' - The Builder, 14th of May 1898.

Refurbished in the 1980s the Music Hall was later to undergo a far more complete restoration, at a cost of £9 million, and taking two years to complete. The Music hall reopened on the 8th of December 2018. Details of the renovation can be seen here, and here.

You may like to visit the Music Hall's own Website here.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

The Palace Theatre, Bridge Place or Bridge Street, Aberdeen

Formerly - The People's Palace of Varieties / Later - The Palace Ballroom / Fusion / Ritzy's Discotheque / Bonkers / Palace Nightclub / Liquid Nightclub / Institute / ATIK

The former Palace Theatre, Aberdeen in a photograph taken in 2011 - Courtesy KR

Above - The former Palace Theatre, Aberdeen in a photograph taken in 2011 - Courtesy KR

The Palace Theatre, Aberdeen was designed by John Rust and built as a Variety Theatre by the Livermore Brothers. The Theatre, which opened on Monday the 24th of October 1898, was built on the site of the former People's Palace which was first constructed as a Circus Building, and then later converted into a Music Hall, but was destroyed by fire in 1896, during a performance on the 30th of September. The earlier Theatre had also been owned by the Livermore Brothers and the fire, which started on the stage but rapidly engulfed the whole building, caused a stampede of people trying to escape, especially from the gallery. Five people died as a result of the crush and the fire, and many others were badly injured.

A Poster for Arthur Lloyd and his children Harry, Lillie and Dulcie at the Palace Theatre, Aberdeen in January 1902 - Click to enlarge.The replacement Theatre cost some £15,000 to construct, its auditorium was built on four levels, Stalls and Pit, Grand Circle, Ampitheatre, and Gallery, it was stated to have had seating for 1,800 people. Shortly after the Theatre opened the ERA printed a review of the building in their 29th of October 1898 edition saying:-'The new variety theatre in Bridge-place, which has been built by Messrs Livermore Brothers in place of the old People's Palace, destroyed by fire two years ago, was opened on Monday evening. The proprietors have certainly spared no expense, and the result is a building, spacious, handsome, admirably contrived, comfortably arranged, and chastely decorated. Seating accommodation is provided for 1,800 persons, although the generous apportionment of space will permit of a very much larger audience. Alike in construction and equipment, the building is a model theatre. Stage fittings, lighting, heating, and ventilating apparatus are of the most modern type; everything is of the best. The total cost, exclusive of site, is £15,000.

Right - A Poster for Arthur Lloyd and his children Harry, Lillie and Dulcie at the Palace Theatre, Aberdeen in January 1902 - Click to enlarge.

The building is designed in the Italian Venetian style of architecture. The front elevation to Bridge-place is divided into a central facade, with two side wings; the façade has ornamental fluted pilasters, and is surmounted by a massive cornice and pediment. In the centre is the main entrance, which is ornamented with finely-dressed pilasters of Kemnay stone running up either side, with carved truss blocks over the capitals, and a rich pediment capped by a cornice. On either side of the main entrance are two other large doorways. Every care, it need hardly be said, has been taken to ensure that in the event of a panic there shall be no repetition of the dire circumstances that attended the burning of the old building. In addition to the doors already mentioned, there are four giving access to Crown Terrace, and altogether there are fourteen exits from the auditorium by which the audience could escape from any outbreak of fire. All the doors open outwardly, and can be opened by a child.

The fittings and furnishings are of the most lavish description, and the decorations are beautiful yet chaste and tasteful. The accommodation comprises orchestra and reserved stalls, pit stalls, grand circle, private boxes, amphitheatre, and gallery. The main entrance gives access to the stalls, which are on the ground floor. Passing over the mosaic tiled floor of the vestibule, the visitor ascends a short flight of marble steps, 10ft. long, to a spacious promenade that runs round three sides of the building. In front of this promenade, and under the balcony or grand circle, are the pit stalls, and in the area of the hall are the reserved stalls and orchestra stalls. The last-mentioned, of which there are three rows, are immediately in front of the stage.

The handsome lounges are upholstered in peacock plush, and the floor is covered with a heavy velvet - pile carpet. The reserved stalls, of which there are seven rows, occupy the back part of the area. Comfortable tip-up chairs, upholstered in crimson velvet, are provided, and the floor is covered with Brussels carpet. The stalls can accommodate about 200 persons. The seats in the pit stalls, which rise in tiers, are upholstered in figured felt, and are very comfortable.

Upstairs is the grand circle or balcony, running round in the form of a semi-circle. This should prove the most popular part of the house, It is entirely fitted up with red plush tip-up chairs, rising in tiers, and is altogether considered one of the finest balcony floors extant. At the rear is a promenade similar to that on the ground floor. It is 12ft. wide, and is covered with cork carpet. The balcony is seated for between 300 and 400, and the promenade could accommodate from 200 to 300 more. Behind the grand circle are the private boxes, nine in number, which are furnished and decorated in the most lavish style. While they are at the rear of the hall, and are not seen from most parts of the theatre, the boxes command an excellent view of the stage.

On the next floor is the amphitheatre, another large gallery, capable of seating about 500, and behind it, away up under the roof, is a limited range of accommodation for the "gods." Access is gained to the pit stalls by doors from the fireproof passages running along each side of the building, and the balcony and galleries are reached by two broad fireproof staircases, reached from the side doors in the front of the building. In addition, the four doors in Crown-terrace open direct on the balcony and galleries. There is also a private stair from one of the side entrances to the boxes.

In size and equipment the stage is in keeping with the other parts of the building. It is 38ft. wide by 34ft. deep. The scenery, which is entirely new, cost £350, and the large pile plush curtain, in colours of flame and old gold, alone cost 120 guineas. Over all is an asbestos curtain, which would effectually prevent an outbreak of fire in the proscenium from spreading to the auditorium. Ample provision has been made for the accommodation and comfort of the artists. There are six dressing-rooms at each side of the stage, with lavatories in addition, and there are also two staircases leading from the stage to the dressing-rooms and exits.

The ceiling is richly decorated in delicate colours, and the upper walls have panels containing various appropriate figures and scenes designed and executed by local and London artists. The gallery fronts are richly encased with carton pierre enrichments in relief, and the work is treated in tints that harmonise with the more striking embellishments of the walls. The lower walls are hung with heavy Japanese paper, and the numerous columns and pillars are tastefully decorated.

The theatre will be entirely lighted by electricity. The ninety footlights on the stage are each of sixteen candle-power, and there are also two electroliers of twenty lights each suspended from the roof. Numerous smaller lights illumine the stairs and corridors. Altogether, there are in the building 370 lights, with a total candle-power of 27,000. In front of the building in Bridge-place will be fixed six arc lamps of 250 candlepower each, and four similar lamps will adorn the front of Crown-terrace. The building is heated by Perkins's patent hot-water pipes, which extend through every part of the house. Ventilation is also amply provided for by Boyle's patent fresh-air inlets in the side walls, and the foul air is carried off by means of three large exhaust ventilator shafts connected with climax ventilators, 5ft. in diameter, fixed in the roof.

The plaster is fixed on patent steel lathing instead of on wood lathing, and the joisting, beams, and rafters of the galleries are all of steel. Nothing, in short, has been omitted that is likely to conduce to the comfort and safety of visitors, and Messrs Livermore Brothers and their energetic manager, Mr Sheldon, as well as Mr John Rust., jun., the architect, are to be congratulated on the completion of so handsome a building.

On Monday the house was crowded, and a magnificent programme was provided for the evening. Mr Arthur Delaney, a baritone of considerable power, sang a couple of songs; and the Veveys showed themselves to be very clever instrumentalists. Mr Cyrus Dare is one of the best "society performer" ever heard in the north; and an excellent performance was given on the horizontal bar by the Eltons. Jules and Ella Garison were exceedingly funny in a burlesque, entitled A Bit of Nonsense; the Marblesque Troupe in their statuary exhibition show themselves artistically clever; the Silcott quartet sang with spirit and danced very gracefully; a very smart performance was given by the well-known juggling expert Carlotti; and the Danbys, eccentric comedians, were responsible for a large amount of merriment.

Rodger's Electrographe supplies one of the most interesting turns of the evening. The pictures, mostly American, were remarkably good. In the course of the evening the local managing proprietor, Mr Ernest Sheldon, came forward and introduced to the audience his brothers-in-law, Messrs Lechmere and Horace Livermore. Mr Lechmere Livermore, who is the senior partner of the firm, in the course of a short speech, gave an assurance that nothing they could do would be left undone to make the New Palace Theatre all that its patrons could desire.

After referring to the high character of their entertainments, he called on the architect of the theatre, Mr John Rust, city architect, who said that he was commissioned by Messrs Livermore Brothers to make the place as good as it could possibly be done for money, and he hoped the proprietors would have a good dividend out of the house night after night. Mr Sheldon also gave a short address, in the course of which he argued in convincing terms that a high-class, refined variety entertainment, such as was provided at the Palace, was as worthy of the patronage of all classes in the community as the ordinary theatre. The theatre is lighted throughout with electricity.'

Above text from the ERA 29th of October 1898.

A Google StreetView Image of the former Palace Theatre, Aberdeen - Click to Interact.The Palace Theatre opened on Monday the 24th of October 1898 and was used mostly as a variety Theatre. Arthur Lloyd is known to have performed there in 1900 and 1902. Films were included in the productions as early as 1911.

Right - A Google StreetView Image of the former Palace Theatre, Aberdeen - Click to Interact.

In April 1929 the Theatre was taken over by the Poole's Cinema Circuit who reduced the seating capacity to 1,714. However, the Theatre was closed completely in March 1931 for reconstruction of its interior for full time Cinema use. This involved removing the former circle and balcony of the Theatre and creating a new single circle and stalls. At the same time the auditorium was redesigned in the Art Deco style by the architect C. T. Marshal of Marshal and Tweedy.

County Cinema took over the Theatre in June 1936, they would later be taken over by Odeon, but the Theatre's 'Palace' name remained until the end of its Cinema years when it was eventually closed in November 1959. After this the Rank Organisation levelled the Stalls and reopened the Stage area to create a large space encompassing the whole ground floor of the Theatre as the Palace Ballroom. This was later reopened as a Nightclub called 'Fusion'. Later incarnations were 'Ritzy's Discotheque', 'Bonkers', 'The Palace Nightclub', 'Liquid Nightclub', and 'Institute' which closed in June 2018.

The building was then the subject of an £800,000 refurbishment by the Deltic Group, who set about converting it into a modern Nightclub which opened a few months later as 'ATIK' in August 2018, with three different spaces and a capacity of 1,540. Their own Website can be found here.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

The Theatre Royal, Marischal Street, Aberdeen

A Google StreetView Image of the former Theatre Royal, Aberdeen, today the Elim Pentecostal Church - Click to Interact.

Above - A Google StreetView Image of the former Theatre Royal, Aberdeen, today the Elim Pentecostal Church - Click to Interact.

A Poster for Horatio Lloyd and his son, Arthur, performing in Horatio's 'Facts and Fancies' at the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen on the 14th of June 1858 - Click to Enlarge.The Theatre Royal in Marischal Street, Aberdeen was opened in 1795 and was the first permanent Theatre to have been built in Aberdeen. The Theatre cost £3,000 to construct and could seat up to 600 people when it first opened under its original Manager Stephen Kemble. The Theatre was designed by Henry Holland, who had just completed the designs for the third Theatre Royal, Drury Lane which had opened a year earlier in 1794. The Aberdeen Theatre Royal was actually a conversion from a former house built by John Jackson, who had started its construction in 1788 but had become bankrupt before the building could be completed. Stephen Kemble bought the House in 1794 and with the aid of his subscribers, each paying £25, was able to roof over the original building and fit up the inside as a Theatre.

Right - A Poster for Horatio Lloyd and his son, Arthur, performing in Horatio's 'Facts and Fancies' at the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen on the 14th of June 1858 - Click to Enlarge.

Although Kemble had built the Theatre he didn't stay as its Manager for very long and soon a string of lesser Managers were trying there hand at running the Theatre. In 1799 someone called Bell was Managing it, then in 1802 Hamilton, and next a Mr. Beaumont, who was soon getting into trouble with rent payments and was replaced by Mr. and Mrs. Mudie who had the same problem by 1811. Later Managers were Fraser in 1812, and then Corbet Ryder who ran it until 1842. Then came Langley, Adams, and Barry Sullivan, and later Mrs. Pollock, who had been married to Corbet Ryder until his death, and later married one of her Company, Mr. Pollock. They had more success with the Theatre and ran it together until 1853 when Mr. Pollock died. In 1869 Mr. M'Neil took over, who would later go on to run the Princess' Theatre in Edinburgh. After M'Neil came Edward Price as Manager of the Theatre Royal, both of whom by the way, married the daughters of Mrs. Pollock and her first husband.

More information on the Managers and Players at the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen can be found in a little book called 'A Scotch Play-House' by J. Keith Angus, published in 1878, and available online here.

Some notable performers on the Theatre Royal's stage were Charles Macready and Charles Kean. And Horatio Lloyd and his son Arthur Lloyd are known to have performed there in 'Facts and Fancies' in 1858 (see poster right). Horatio writes about 'Facts and Fancies' in his autobiography here.

A Silk Programme for the Garrison Amateurs performing 'Used Up' and 'His Last Legs' at the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen on the 25th of January 1854 - Courtesy Michael McEwan

Above - A Silk Programme for the Garrison Amateurs performing 'Used Up' and 'His Last Legs' at the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen on the 25th of January 1854 - Courtesy Michael McEwan who says 'The actors appear to be military 69 Regt but I can only find a 69th Regt as being a Lincolnshire Regt what would they be doing in Aberdeen?' If you can shed any more light on this please Contact me.

The Theatre was converted into a Church in 1875 by J & W Smith, which is still standing today as the Elim Pentecostal Church (see image above). A commemorative Plaque for the Theatre Royal, Aberdeen, and some information about the Theatre can be seen here.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

The Tivoli Theatre, Guild Street , Aberdeen

Formerly - Her Majesty's TheatreA Google StreetView Image of the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen - Click to Interact

Above - A Google StreetView Image of the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen - Click to Interact

The Tivoli Theatre is situated in Guild Street, Aberdeen and was first built in 1872, originally opening as Her Majesty's Theatre. (This should not be confused with the later His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct, which opened in 1906.) The Theatre was originally designed by the well known Theatre Architect C. J. Phipps and James Matthews. James Matthews also designed the earlier Renaissance Corinthian Town and Country Bank building in Aberdeen, and Aberdeen's Grammar School and Palace Hotel.

The Building News and Engineering Journal reported on the construction of the Theatre in their 23rd of August 1872 edition saying:- 'A new theatre and opera house is in course of erection at Aberdeen, and is interesting as illustrating the constructive capabilities of concrete in a direction somewhat out of the beaten track. As readers of the Building News well know, concrete has been very largely used of late years for constructing retaining walls in railway cuttings, and also for the erection of the walls of cottages, railway sheds, warehouses, and gardens, but the new theatre at Aberdeen is, we believe, the first building of its kind in which that material has been so largely used...

A Watercolour depicting the 1872 Auditorium of the Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, later the Tivoli Theatre - By George Richmond, May 2017.

Above - A Watercolour depicting the 1872 Auditorium of the Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, later the Tivoli Theatre - By George Richmond, May 2017. The painting has been created from a photograph in the Arthurian Annual of 1904, shown below, with colours taken from the build report below. Click for an Index to all of George Richmond's Paintings on this site.

...The site of the building is in Guild-street, about midway between Stirling-street and Carmelite-street. Its length is 74ft.8in., and its mean depth to Trinity-street, 90ft., the height of the front being 50ft. from the street. The bases and piers of the facade are of white pick-dressed granite, and the columns are of polished Peterhead granite, with capitals and string courses of Newton freestone, the arching of the doors and windows being of white pick-dressed granite and red sandstone from Tarriff, filled in with white ornamental bricks. The style is Gothic. The side and party walls are all of concrete, consisting of 8 parts gravel and sand and 1 of Portland cement.

There are two shops in the facade, one 17ft. by 11ft., and the other 21½ft. by 17ft. There are five entrances for the public, all in the front. The stage entrance is in Trinity-street. Commodious refreshment and retiring rooms are provided for every class of visitors.

The auditorium is of the horseshoe form, and will be lighted by a sunlight. The proscenium is 28ft. wide. The fronts of the boxes and balcony will be of ornamental open ironwork. The theatre will be seated for 1,680 persons, but will accommodate 1,800 on an emergency. The stage measures 53½ft. in length, and has a mean depth of 29ft., the scene-dock being 16ft. by 14ft.

The joint architects (according to the Aberdeen Journal) are Messrs. C. J. Phipps, F. S. A., London, and Matthews, Aberdeen. The contractors for the concrete work are Messrs. Drake Bros. of London, for the mason work, Mr. Bisset; for the carpenter work, Messrs. Wamack & Daniel; and for slater work, Mr Davidson, Aberdeen. Mr. William Brown is clerk of the works.'

The above text in quotes was first published in the Building News and Engineering Journal, 23rd of August 1872.

Views of Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.

Above - Views of Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen, later the Tivoli Theatre - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.

The Building News and Engineering Journal also reported on the new Theatre shortly after it opened, in their 27th of December 1872 edition saying:- 'This building, erected from the designs and under the superintendence of Mr. C. J. Phipps. F.S.A., of London, was opened on Thursday week. The project was only started in the commencement of the present year, chiefly through the instrumentality of Captain Stevenson, of Viewfield, and several other influential gentlemen, who formed a limited company, the shares of which were so good and so liberally taken up that in May last contracts were entered into with the following tradesmen:-

Mason work - Messrs. Peter Bisset & Son, Aberdeen. Concrete work - Messrs. Drake & Co., London. Carpenter work - Messrs. Warrack and Daniel, Aberdeen. Iron work - Messrs. James Garvie & Co., Aberdeen. Plumber work - Mr. Alexander Lamb, Aberdeen. Slater work - Mr. George Davidson, Aberdeen. Plaster work - Mr. James Morrison, Aberdeen. Glazier and painter work - Mr. Alexander Stephen, Aberdeen. Gas-fitting work - Mr. Thomson's trustees, Aberdeen.

The total amount of these contracts was upwards of £6,000, and the sums for decorations, special gaswork sun-burners, furnishing, and fittings, will make the total cost about £8,000. The New Theatre occupies a site between Guild-street and Trinity-street, and is close to the South Parish School. The building is of a mixed Gothic character, and the front may be said to be generally built of granite and freestone. The ashlar work is of blue Rubislaw granite, and the dressings of white Kemnay granite and red Turriff sandstone. The capitals and string courses are composed of Newton freestone, and the fillings-in of the window arches are composed of Pether's patent ornamental bricks, which in this case are of a yellow colour. The columns, which are six in number, and which are a very handsome feature of the entrances, are of polished Peterhead granite, and have been made by Messrs. Macdonald, Field, & Co.

Attached to the main building, and extending towards the railway, is a wing which contains the dressing rooms, green room, band room, refreshment rooms, having on the ground floor a shop, and the entrance to the gallery. There are also separate entrances to the pit, boxes, balcony, and private boxes, there being in addition a large shop, with extensive cellarage, in the centre of the main building.

Apart from the front, the other walls of the building have been constructed of concrete by Drake's patent apparatus. Many of the other requisites of the building, such as the gallery staircase, &c., have been formed of this material, the wearing power of which is quite equal to our hardest granite. This, we are informed, is the largest building of the kind in which concrete has been used. The whole of the entrances are well lighted, and the access is all that could be desired. As we have said, the staircase to the gallery is of concrete, and the other staircases are in wainscot oak.

In the case of the balcony and private boxes, the staircase leads to a crush room, in which are ladies' retiring rooms, hat and cloak rooms, &c. A lobby also leads into a commodious refreshment-room, solely set apart for the occupants of the balcony and the private boxes. From the crush room, corridors lead to each side of the house, the proscenium boxes being communicated with by circular staircases from the balcony. The balcony is provided with Mr. Phipps's chairs, which are made so as to turn up to give free access along each row of seats. The chairs are covered with handsome crimson cloth. The ordinary boxes are reached by a separate staircase, and this part of the house is also supplied with a refreshment-room. The front seats of the gallery are to be devoted to an amphitheatre.

The stage and its appliances have been constructed in the most modern and scientific manner, Mr. T. Rhodes, London, having had the active charge of this part of the work. The stage is 54ft. wide ; the proscenium is 28ft. in width. The act drop is a painting of the well-known "Silver Strand" of Loch Katrine, having an ornamental border, and was painted by Mr. George Gordon, scenic artist, London.

As to the interior of the building, we may state that the theatre is seated for 1,650, while there is accommodation for well up to 1,800. The gallery is seated for 700, the pit for 550, the boxes for 240, the balcony for 100, and the private boxes from 8 to 10 each; and it is stated that great pains have been taken, so that good views of the stage are to be had in every part of it, and that the gallery and the pit have been made with a slope sufficient to enable the occupants of each tier of seats to see easily over the heads of those in front of them.

Further, we may mention, in regard to the decorations, that they are generally of a Greek and Romanesque character. Several of the combinations of ornament are very elaborate, and the effect, as a whole, is exceedingly good. The prevailing colour of the decorations appears to be blue upon a dark cream coloured ground, while the draperies and chairs are of crimson. The walls of the pit, boxes, and gallery are covered with a handsome paper, having a gilt and red design upon an unobtrusive sage green ground. The balcony, which has three rows of seats, behind which is an upper circle of six rows, projects over the pit, and the gallery runs over the balcony to the front. The balcony front is an open trellis work of elaborate design, very richly gilt, and the lines of the balcony and gallery are continued upwards, and form one continuous circle round the ceiling. The cornice is beautifully moulded, and decorated in gold and colours, and the ceiling itself is divided into eight semi-circular compartments, having a sun-light in the centre.

There are three private boxes on each side of the stage, two on the balcony tier, and one on the pit level. These are divided by triplet columns, effectively decorated, and terminating with carved capitals. The proscenium is arched over, and there are also arches over the private boxes, the lunettes being filled with scenes from Scott's "Lay of the Last Minstrel," " Marmion." "The Lady of the Lake," and "The Lord of the Isles."

Altogether, the building is most comfortably fitted up, and we are quite safe in saying that there is not a more handsome or better finished theatre in Scotland; indeed, we may state that it is one of the best of the many theatres that Mr. Phipps has constructed. Mr. Phipps himself, during the last week, superintended the finishing of the work. Mr. Browne, of London, was clerk of the works.'

The above text in quotes was first published in the Building News and Engineering Journal, 27th of December 1872.

Mr. H. C. Cavanah, Acting Manager of Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen in 1897 - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.

Above - Mr. H. C. Cavanah, Acting Manager of Her Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen in 1897 - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.

Robert Arthur - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.On the 5th of June 1897 the Theatre was closed for a few months so that it could be altered to the designs of the now renowned Theatre Architect Frank Matcham. The Theatre's proprietor at the time was Robert Arthur (shown right) and its Manager was John Cavanah (shown above).

The alterations, which were carried out by Brown & Watt Architects of Aberdeen, included removing the shops which had previously been situated on the ground floor of the building allowing for better accesss to the Pit and Stalls, and carrying out improvements to the Gallery Stairs, and adding new stairs and enlarged corridors for the Dress Circle.

Right - Robert Arthur - From the Arthurian Annual of 1904 - Kindly donated by Shirley Cowdrill.

The Theatre reopened on the 19th of July 1897 with a production of Sir Augustus Harris and Henry Pettitt's 'Human Nature' by the Henry Dundas Company.

In 1910 the Theatre, now renamed the Tivoli Theatre, was again altered by Frank Matcham, this time more extensively. Matcham's new plans for the Theatre were for converting it into a Music Hall with accommodation for some 1,600 to 1,700 people, he provided more exits for easy escape in case of fire, new large waiting rooms, and improved sight lines to its partially reconstructed auditorium.

The Aberdeen Journal of the 5th of February 1910 reported on the changes saying:- 'Dealing first with the entrances, the present circle entrance and foyer will remain. To the right of the vestibule a wide marble staircase leads through a fine waiting room, handsomely decorated and furnished, with direct access to the stalls. The pit is entered to the left of the vestibule through a similar waiting room, with a staircase leading to the rear of the pit seats. A new fireproof staircase occupies a portion of the old shop property, giving an extra exit from the grand circle, and a new exit from the stalls is also obtained here. The old exit from the pit, which projected into the auditorium and took up a considerable amount of the seating, is done away with and the space floored over and seated, and the result will be a fine square pit, which will be comfortably seated and decorated. Another exit is to be formed at the side of the pit adjoining that from the stalls, in place of the one done away with. The present exits from the gallery and circle will remain, the number of exits then consisting of no fewer than ten, each being separate and distinct from the other, all the doors being made so that they give the full width of passage, when opened, and all being fitted with alarm exit bolts. Additional retiring rooms will be provided from all parts, and a splendid saloon is planned, with easy approaches from the circle and stalls.

External alterations include an improvement of the Guild Street frontage, handsome new polished doors being introduced, and the front made attractive by means of electric lights, etc. A verandah to be erected along the front will protect the public in inclement weather.

Great improvements are to be made in the auditorium, which when completed, will, it is said, compare favourably with that of any theatre of its size in the kingdom. The front of the stage is to be set back, giving additional floor space. The private boxes and sides of the circle and gallery are to be cleared away and reconstructed, improving the sight lines and increasing the seating capacity.

By the removal of the present division of the dress and upper circles and additions to and rearrangement of the seating, there will be provided one grand circle.

A new side staircase will allow free access between the circle and stalls.

The designs show that the decorations will be very artistic, and the furnishings sumptuous and comfortable. Rich draperies, carpets, and velvet tip-up chairs and upholstered seating, and brilliant electric lighting, complete a scheme which, it is claimed, will provide Aberdeen with one of the best high-class variety theatres in the country.'

The above text in quotes (edited) was first published in the Aberdeen Journal 5th of February 1910.

The firms involved with the above mentioned reconstruction of the Tivoli Theatre in 1910 included D. Macandrew and Company (Carpentry), Marshall Watt and Company (Painters), James Scott and Son (Plasterers), John Worling (Plumbers), Robert Bright (Electrical Engineer), and George Donald & Sons (Decorations). The cost of the work would eventually amount to some £6,000. The Aberdeen Journal reported again on the reconstruction of the Theatre in their 2nd of April 1910 edition saying:- 'The scheme of decoration is characteristic of Louis XV. period, a style which lends itself admirably to the fibrous plaster enrichments. The ceiling of the auditorium, which is circular in shape, is divided with high relief fibrous plaster into four shaped panels, in which are to be painted four frescoes representing the seasons, the colour scheme giving the impression of the radiant glow of an autumn sunset, the electric lighting and sunlight in the centre enhancing the effect. The opening of the proscenium is richly moulded in fibrous plaster having a large lunette panel, containing a painting representing Tragedy and Comedy, with attendant cupids and satyrs. The box facades, pediments, fronts of dress circle, balcony, and gallery are of a most elaborate description in high relief fibrous, richly gilded, and enhanced by the effect of beautiful electric fittings, projecting from the various figured groups of the plaster work. There are to be two life-size figures exquisitely modelled, surmounting the column on each side of the proscenium, representing Art and Music. The draperies of the boxes, etc., are to be of a soft shade of old rose colour, embroidered with gold. The modelling and frescoes are to be executed by Messrs Banbury and Wright. of Gray's School of Art, both well-known in artistic circles. Messrs George Donald and Sons are to be commended on their enterprise in securing such an important contract.'

The above text in quotes (edited) was first published in the Aberdeen Journal 2nd of April 1910.

An Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre poster from 1939 - Courtesy Ross Collins. The Tivoli Theatre reopened with a variety production on the afternoon of the 18th of July 1910 under the Management of Walter Gilbert who had previously been running the nearby Palace Theatre for the past 12 years. Performers in the opening production and for the rest of the week included the Harmony Four, the Creo Brothers, the Avolos, Moeney Cash, Ethal Ra-Leslie, Tom Lee, Dix and Dox, and the Sisters Herbert. The Orchestra was under the baton of John C. Shepherd.

Right - An Aberdeen Tivoli Theatre poster from 1939 - Courtesy Ross Collins.

Randle Collins, son of impresario Horace Collins, writes:- "The Aberdeen Tivoli evolved into its present style in 1911. From its earliest days much interest in it was shown by Fred Collins who produced many artistes and shows to its stage. His son Horace H. Collins became managing director on Fred's death in 1931 and was responsible for a complete modernisation in 1938. The Tivoli remained under his control until his death in 1947. Fred Collins Variety Agency continued to present a restricted number of attractions up until their closure in 1957" - Randle Collins - More about the Collins Variety Agency can be seen here.

A Programme for the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen, 1942.The Tivoli went on to have a long life as a variety Theatre but its last live performance came in 1966 when the Theatre was converted for Bingo use, but even this ended in 1997 and the Theatre then remained empty and deteriorating for many years.

Left - A Variety Programme for the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen in 1942.

However, in July 2009 the Theatre was bought by the businessman Brian Hendry under the name of the 'Tivoli Theatre Company Ltd.', who said that they hoped to spend around £5m over the following years in order to restore the building to its former glory and bring it back to live Theatre use. The following year the Theatre received funding from the 'Green Townscape Heritage Initiative' so that repairs to the roof and masonry, and the windows and doors, could be carried out, this was all achieved by 2012 and at the same time the facade's original features were reinstated. The Theatre then received additional funding from the 'Historic Scotland Building Repair Grant Scheme' for the restoration of its plasterwork and frescos.

The Tivoli Theatre reopened in a limited capacity on the 25th of October 2013 with the play 'Inferno' by Thomas Bywater. This was followed by a production of the pantomime Robin Hood and Babes in the Wood in December 2013. Despite reopening however, only the stalls area could be used as the upper levels were still being restored.

Despite reopening the Grade A Listed Tivoli Theatre is still Listed on the Scottish Civic Trust’s Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland but the Tivoli Theatre Company Ltd., aims to eventually restore the building completely and return it to full time live theatrical use.

Some wonderful images of the Tivoli Theatre, inside and out, can be seen on the Scottish Cinemas and Theatres Project Website here.

The Tivoli Theatre is today a Grade A Listed Building. You may like to visit the Theatre's own website here.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

The Bon-Accord Music Hall, St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen

A Google StreetView Image of the site of the former Bon-Accord Music Hall, St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen - Click to Interact. The Music Hall, which was situated next door to the Prince of Wales Public House, was closed in 1891, although the building itself wasn't demolished until 1993.

Above - A Google StreetView Image of the site of the former Bon-Accord Music Hall, St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen - Click to Interact. The Music Hall, which was situated next door to the Prince of Wales Public House, was closed in 1891, although the building itself wasn't demolished until 1993.

An Advertisement for the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Evening Express, Wednesday the 22nd of August 1888.The Bon-Accord Music Hall was situated on St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen, next door to the Prince of Wales Public House, and first opened on Monday the 20th of August 1888. The Hall had originally been built as the St Nicholas Lane Church some years earlier but was bought by Robert Brown for conversion into a Music Hall in 1888.

Right - An Advertisement for the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Evening Express, Wednesday the 22nd of August 1888.

The Aberdeen Evening Express reported on the new Music hall in their 13th of August 1888 edition saying:- 'The Bon-Accord Music Hall, which is to be opened for the season on Monday, 20th inst., with a staff of first class artistes, is situated in St Nicholas Lane U.P. congregation as a place of worship. The Building was bought from them by Mr Robert Brown, and has been let on a long lease to the Bon-Accord Music Hall Company, Limited, and we understand that it is to be kept open during the winter season as a place of public entertainment, a large number of artistes having already been engaged to appear week by week.

An Advertisement for the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press - Monday the 27th of August 1888.The building during the last three months has undergone a great change internally. The whole of the old inside woodwork has been removed, and new seating, flooring, and galleries have been fitted up.

Left - An Advertisement for the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press - Monday the 27th of August 1888.

The stage is erected at the north end of the hall, with drop curtain and scenery, and the galleries are placed all round on three sides. The south gallery is to be wholly used as first class seats, with a promenade at the back, while the side galleries and the whole of the ground floor are to be used by second class seats.

A Review of Charles Sutton at the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press, Tuesday the 4th of September 1888.The hall is beautifully painted and decorated, the ceiling being studded over with silver star ornaments, and having a rich gilt cornice running round it. The walls are treated in a similar fashion, having dados with stencil ornaments underneath.

The entrances and exits are numerous, and every precaution has been taken that in case of emergency the hall can be emptied in three minutes although quite full. The artistes' retiring rooms, manager's room, &c., are placed at the east side of the hall, a separate access being provided for them from the outside.

Right - A Review of Charles Sutton at the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press, Tuesday the 4th of September 1888.

The whole of the alterations and fittings have been carried out under the superintendence of Mr John Rust, jun., architect, and the following are the tradesmen:- Mason work, Mr Robert Smith; carpenter, Messrs Leslie and Hay; plumber, Mr Alex Smith; plaster, Mr James Bannochie, painting and glazing, Messrs J. & S. Fyfe. The cost of the alterations and fittings will amount to about £1000.'

A Review of an evening's entertainment at the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press, Tuesday the 25th of September 1888.The above text in quotes was first published in the Aberdeen Evening Express, 13th of August 1888.

Left - A Review of an evening's entertainment at the Bon-Accord Music Hall, Aberdeen - From the Aberdeen Free Press, Tuesday the 25th of September 1888.

Reviews of the entertainments at the new Bon-Accord Music Hall were generally very favourable, as can be seen by the examples shown on this page, and the following review from the Aberdeen Free Press of Tuesday the 9th of October 1888 saying:- 'An exceptionally strong programme is presented this week, the company that occupy the boards being perhaps the strongest that has appeared since the opening. Last night a fairly good audience assembled, and the various artiste were well received. Messrs Chippendale and Ashley, a couple of exceedingly smart Irish comedians and dancers, are the first to appear, and their efforts meet with much appreciation. Mr J. Orr Leslie is a tenor singer of no mean ability, and in Mr Edgar Austin Aberdonians will recognise an old favourite - the "Lightning Cartoonist." The marvellous rapidity with which this gentleman produces exceedingly truthful portraits of various remarkable characters is astonishing, and the audience are not slow to recognise the skill of the artist. The Sisters Wallace are a trio of pretty singers and dancers who are loudly cheered and recalled. The Lion of the evening is undoubtedly Mr George Beauchamp, the "American comedian." His get up is really very smart, and his character songs, though they had in them a strong spice of vulgarity, were cheered to the echo, and the singer had to reply to numerous encores. Mr G. F. Moore, the "Facial King," assisted by Miss Katie Moore, gives a phrasing entertainment, his impersonation of well-known political and other personages being very cleverly managed. Altogether, the management is to be congratulated on the programme presented this week.' - The Aberdeen Free Press of Tuesday the 9th of October 1888.

One of the last advertisements to appear in the press for the Bon-Accord Music Hall - From the Aberdeen Press and Journal, Wednesday the 7th of January 1891. The Bon-Accord Music Hall had first opened on Monday the 20th of August 1888 and went on to have a successful period of three years, although it was the subject of a major incident on the night of the 5th of April 1889 when an advertised sketch at the end of a Benefit for the Hall's Manager H. H. Bromhead failed to happen.

Right - One of the last advertisements to appear in the press for the Bon-Accord Music Hall - From the Aberdeen Press and Journal, Wednesday the 7th of January 1891.

Unhappy with the sketch being abandoned the audience subsequently 'chased the orchestra from the pit' and destroyed their music stands and the Hall's footlights, plunging the Hall into darkness, and threw their chairs onto the stage before being evicted from the building by the police. Although the Bon-Accord Music Hall did reopen after the riot, advertisements for it dry up by January 1891. The Hall was then put to use as a sale room, where occasional prizes were given by Duffus Jewellers, who also owned the Duffus Lodgings and family Hotel on Union Street nearby.

A Google StreetView Image of the Prince of Wales Pub, St. Nicholas Lane, Aberdeen. The Bon-Accord Music Hall was situated in the now vacant site next door, having been demolished in 1993. - Click to Interact.The building was afterwards taken over by A. G. Watson, a 'Produce Merchant' who adapted the building for office and warehouse use in March 1891. The building, which was situated next door to the Prince of Wales Public House, which is still there today, see image left, was demolished in 1993.

Left - A Google StreetView Image of the Prince of Wales Pub on St. Nicholas Lane. The Bon-Accord Music Hall was situated in the now vacant site next door, having been demolished in 1993. - Click to Interact.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me.

The Lloyd's in Aberdeen

Arthur Lloyd is known to have performed in Aberdeen in 1858, 1886, 1887, 1900, and 1902. And his father, Horatio Lloyd, is known to have performed in Aberdeen in the 1840s and 1858. Harry King Lloyd, Arthur's son, is known to have performed in Aberdeen in 1902.