Exhibition celebrates 125 years of seaside theatre

A new exhibition celebrating the 125th anniversary of seaside theatre on the Isle of Man has been unveiled at the Manx Museum.

Images mark key moments in the history of the Gaiety Theatre, highlighting its early days, restoration work and some well-known faces that performed on its stage.

The display also features objects connected to the performance space such as a drum that belonged to comedian Ken Dodd.

Technical Manager at VillaGaiety Séamus Shea said it was a "perfect opportunity to honour the legacy of this iconic venue and reflect on its ongoing story".

Situated on Harris Promenade in Douglas it was designed by renowned English architect Frank Matcham and celebrated its opening night on 16 July 1900.

The first production it hosted was a performance of The Telephone Girl, starring musical comedy actress Ada Blanche.

When demand to visit cinemas was high a projection suite was installed in 1932, which went on to became the theatre's principal form of entertainment during World War Two.

The building, which had become dilapidated, was bought by the Manx government in 1971 and some restoration works began later that decade, with further extensive repair works taking place during the 1990s.

Manx National Heritage (MNH) said architect Frank Matcham had transformed "a non-descript music hall on Douglas Promenade" into "something truly special".

The venue had survived "changes in taste and fashion, and narrowly avoided demolition on at least one occasion" but now "stands as the finest example of its kind in the British Isles", it organisation said.

Praising the "magnificent building" MNH curator Matthew Richardson said the the hardest part of the project had been distilling the broad history of the building into exhibition.

"I have always loved the atmosphere of the Gaiety and have long thought how lucky we are on the Island to have such a magnificent building,"

Mr Shea said the "captivating display" highlighted the theatre's "rich past, from its vibrant performances and renowned artists over the years to its transformation into a cinema and eventual restoration".

Gaiety 125 can been seen in the Cabinet of Curiosity until 18 May and it will return to the space after a short break in the summer.

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