The Britannia Panopticon on Trongate is the world’s oldest surviving music hall. It’s on the first floor above Mitchell’s Amusements, with an entrance down the lane to the side. The music hall functioned from the 1850s through to 1938 when it was no longer possible to compete with modern entertainments such as the cinema. It was then sold to a tailoring business, converted to a workshop, and not rediscovered until 1997. The Panopticon is currently being conserved by a trust which produces traditional shows in the auditorium and is raising money to rescue the historic stage which was buried beneath a 1960s toilet.
When 16-year-old Arthur Stanley Jefferson gave his first stage performance here in 1906, who could have predicted how successful he would turn out to be? You know him better as Stan Laurel, who is commemorated by a blue plaque in the alley next to the Panopticon – with a bonus of some beautiful ghost signs.
A talented friend of mine, Colin Hough, wrote a radio play about Laurel’s debut a few years ago. It’s no longer available to listen to, but this very favourable review gives a flavour and speculates what the play might be like if it was filmed in the Panopticon itself.
Something I didn’t know until I was wandering up High Street taking photographs for another post, is that the Panopticon also has a charity shop. I might go back for a rummage when I have more time.
Tomorrow, Q takes us to a Mackintosh building.
Restoring a cultural hall of entertainment makes my heart happy! I hope they raise the money they need to finish it.
You can find me here:
ClarabelleRant
LikeLike
So do I. It could be really spectacular.
LikeLike
Such a beautiful old building. It’s so great that it’s being restored to it’s original purpose!
LikeLike
Yes! I ranted in a few other posts about what is being lost so i’s good to be able to report on something being restored.
LikeLike
I love it!! This is so cool that it is the world’s oldest and that Stan Laurel played there. We had an old building where, apparently the Marx Bros performed there in the early 20’s but it burnt down many years ago plus the building was not kept up. I just wonder what is behind those walls. I would love to go through that shop too
LikeLike
It’s great that it’s been rescued, though not properly yet. You can go to plays sometimes but they don’t have a license to charge, they can only ask for donations.
LikeLike
I love it when old builnding are restore to their original purpose. They have a particular flavour 🙂
LikeLike
If this one could only get more money it would be wonderful.
LikeLike
This is the weekend before the last full week of A to Z. You’re amazing for staying with us this long. Thanks for your commitment. You’re almost there. This event only happens once a year, so get ready for the home stretch!
Stephen Tremp
A to Z Cohost
P is for Paranormal Vs. Supernatural
LikeLike
Thank you, Stephen.
LikeLike
So thrilled you got one over on me! ( was so sure it would be the Playhouse) Have never heard of it. Thanks for posting, Anabel.
LikeLike
No Playhouse these days!
LikeLike
You mean it’s gone?!
LikeLike
Maybe you are not thinking of this?
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green's_Playhouse
There are the Theatre Royal, Pavilion Theatre and Citizen’s Theatre all still going.
LikeLike
The playhouse is in Edinburgh – argh! I will ask my daughter about that shop. She lives a stones throw away.
LikeLike
Ah right, been many times! That would explain the confusion.
LikeLike
Gorgeous…. but I want togo into Mitchell’s! How cool!!!
LikeLike
I’ve never actually been in there!
LikeLike
Wow, that’s a grande building, and that shop looks like fun:-)
LikeLike
It is grand, so glad it was rescued.
LikeLike
I love hearing stories of these gems getting rediscovered and preserved! What a wonderful history!
LikeLike
Isn’t it? I love visiting.
LikeLike
OH, I could have fun in that shop!
LikeLike
Still not been back for a rummage!
LikeLike