It was brilliant. I haven't been there since it has been refurbished and it does look brilliant. There has been entertainment on that site since 1772 according to the guide, but it was mid nineteenth century when a purpose built music hall opened on the site.
Apparently the music hall was considered very much for the lower classes. It was a place where people could drink and were not required to keep quiet during performances. It was rowdy, hot, and had sawdust on the floor. The rules were that they were not allowed to have none musical plays - it was designed to keep Shakespeare out of the rowdy music halls and in the 'respectable' theatre.
Bear was the youngest by a few years on the tour and was well behaved, paid attention and didn't touch. The very indulgent guide told him he could sit in the very seat that the Queen had sat in when she had been there - D8 in the stalls, if you are interested. Bear was very pleased with this.
The guide (who was brilliant) talked about the performers, including Charlie Chaplin as a youngster as part of a Clog Dancing troupe. They had Lily Langtree perform there and Edward VII had a discreet view although he had to be smuggled in and out and kept in a box with only a small gap in the curtains as a royal couldn't possibly be found in such a low place as a music hall. Acts that have also trod the boards include a lion tamer and a lady who hypnotised an alligator. One of the play bills in the bar had third from top a lady who performed 'low comedy and speciality dancing'. I didn't ask.
After cinema took off, followed by radio, the music hall declined. So less tasteful acts followed. Nudes were on stage, and were considered art as long as they stayed still. Apparently all sorts of tricks were used to make the nudes seem more animated than the license allowed. There was one anecdote about some young men who brought pea shooters along to the show and sat as near to the stage as possible, blew hard and tried to make the feathers move.
At the end of the this the lady asked if there were any questions. Bear's hand shot up. "In 'Plants versus Zombies' pea shooters are used to kill the zombies." Bear explained seriously. "They are nothing to do with feathers." He then started a measured lecture about the *&"@! computer game, despite every effort I made to shush him. Mortified didn't cover it! The tour guide was lovely about it.
If you ever get the chance I seriously recommend that you enjoy the tour at the Grand. It was amazing. The theatre that now seats less than 500 once held 2000 and the atmosphere is amazing. Also I am proud that bear is confident to speak in public like that. Mortified, but proud. I am going to forbid him for mentioning computer games outside the house or school!
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