Built in 1897 and still on Sauchiehall Street to this day, glorying in its reputation as ‘the comic’s graveyard’ – though the crowd did not discriminate and made life difficult for all types of acts, irrespective of the status of the ‘turn’, as the act was referred to.
They earned a reputation as ‘a tough audience’ – which they jealously protected.
Post 2nd World War Britain
Every city and most towns had at least one Variety Hall, as the main form of live entertainment – Some radio available – television on the way but not widely available for entertainment until the late 60s.
The Argyle Theatre
I remember, in the centre of Birkenhead, where I was born and brought up – we lived just a walk from the Argyle Theatre – which was often mentioned by, amongst others, Morecombe & Wise. The Variety Halls being their first experiences of live performing, travelling all over the country and stopping in small B&Bs.
Back to the Glasgow Empire
A collection of quotes from performers and staff –
Veteran Johnny Beattie -Scottish actor and stand up.
‘If they like you, they will let you live.’
and ‘You can’t let them smell your fear.’
Bernie Winters (and brother, Mike)
‘Mike starts the act by running onto the stage and playing a lively tune on his clarinet.Then Bernie opens the curtains a little from backstage – and just pops his head through with a big silly smiling face.
Then – very loudly, from about three rows back in the stalls – ‘Oh Christ, there’s f**** two of them.’
And some less than heroic, failures:
Sheena Easton – on her first return to perform in Scotland – booed off after ten minutes – too much of an American accent, apparently.
Chubby Brown – who most would say was untouchable – ran off the stage, after just four minutes -his first joke- in bad taste and booed off. ! Yeah -shock, horror – Chubby Brown in Bad taste !
I’m sorry – I can’t find any more detail – not not even the joke.
Finally –
This post was triggered by a throw-away comment I happened to hear on the radio – just don’t know who said it, because I wasn’t really listening. – they said, of the Empire –
‘No turn left un-stoned.’