Does anyone remember going to shows at the Garrick Theatre in the 1930s or 1940s? My Dad used to work with horses and had a story about taking the horses on stage - that was part of the performance in those days! He's not around any longer so I would love to know a bit more about those shows, if anyone has any memories?

Originally Posted by fairbs

Does anyone remember going to shows at the Garrick Theatre in the 1930s or 1940s? My Dad used to work with horses and had a story about taking the horses on stage - that was part of the performance in those days! He's not around any longer so I would love to know a bit more about those shows, if anyone has any memories?

I can certainly remember Pantomimes at the Garrick in the 40s when I was a youngster but, no horses. Although I can also recall one show that I was taken to being, Norman Evans in "Over the Garden Wall". However the last time I went to the Garrick would have been in !956-ish, with my girlfriend at the time, to see Ruby Murray the Irish singer who was very popular at the time. I then went away from Southport in the army for a few years and, the next time I saw the theatre it was sadly, a Bingo hall.

Originally Posted by Nick2

I can certainly remember Pantomimes at the Garrick in the 40s when I was a youngster but, no horses. Although I can also recall one show that I was taken to being, Norman Evans in "Over the Garden Wall". However the last time I went to the Garrick would have been in !956-ish, with my girlfriend at the time, to see Ruby Murray the Irish singer who was very popular at the time. I then went away from Southport in the army for a few years and, the next time I saw the theatre it was sadly, a Bingo hall.

I rember going with my mum to listen and see Eddy Calvert,i think that was his name. O my papa was his theme tune

Originally Posted by truthteller

I rember going with my mum to listen and see Eddy Calvert,i think that was his name. O my papa was his theme tune

I'm not old enough to remember it as The Garrick Theatre but my Dad appeared there as a performer a number of times.
He's not on this picture I hasten to add!

Originally Posted by truthteller

I rember going with my mum to listen and see Eddy Calvert,i think that was his name. O my papa was his theme tune

It certainly was Eddy Calvert. Came from Preston apparently. Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White was another favourite. They are all on You Tube.

Saw Tommy Steele there in the late fifties.

Members of the cast and audience pose for a publicity photograph to promote the pantomime Dick Whittington staged at the Garrick in 1955. It starred Richard Murdoch and Penny Nicholls. The small boy on the far right, second row up, wearing a tie and black jacket is none other than myself. My goodness was it really sixty years ago? The frightening thing is I can remember posing for it.

Originally Posted by Sgt Wilson

Members of the cast and audience pose for a publicity photograph to promote the pantomime Dick Whittington. The pantomime was staged at the Garrick in 1955 and starred Richard Murdoch and Penny Nicholls. The small boy on the far right, second row up, wearing a tie and black jacket is non-other than myself. My goodness was it really sixty years ago? the frightening thing is I can remember posing for it.

Good to "see" you Sarge! Judging by the photo I'm somewhat older than you, I enlisted in the Army in 1955. But I too recall many of those days (and some in the late 40s) quite vividly and, share your fears as I sometimes struggle to remember what I intended to do there, after walking from one room to another at home. It can be really frustrating and often embarrassing, when you have to ask the wife to remind you.

Originally Posted by Nick2

I can certainly remember Pantomimes at the Garrick in the 40s when I was a youngster but, no horses. Although I can also recall one show that I was taken to being, Norman Evans in "Over the Garden Wall". However the last time I went to the Garrick would have been in !956-ish, with my girlfriend at the time, to see Ruby Murray the Irish singer who was very popular at the time. I then went away from Southport in the army for a few years and, the next time I saw the theatre it was sadly, a Bingo hall.

Thanks for sharing your memories. Sounds like a wonderful place from the memories shared although not sure where the horses came in! Maybe it was slightly earlier than this. It's still a bingo hall now - never been in but I think I might pay a visit next time I'm up there.

Originally Posted by a.l.guzzler

I'm not old enough to remember it as The Garrick Theatre but my Dad appeared there as a performer a number of times.
He's not on this picture I hasten to add!

I love the programme, will have to show it to my mum. What did your dad do?

Originally Posted by Sgt Wilson

Members of the cast and audience pose for a publicity photograph to promote the pantomime Dick Whittington which was staged at the Garrick in 1955. It starred Richard Murdoch and Penny Nicholls. The small boy on the far right, second row up, wearing a tie and black jacket is none other than myself. My goodness was it really sixty years ago? The frightening thing is I can remember posing for it.

Great photo. You look very serious!

Originally Posted by fairbs

I love the programme, will have to show it to my mum. What did your dad do?

He was a Variety Artist... Billy "Uke" Scott. He played the Ukulele and Ukulele Banjo.
He was well known in the 40s & 50s and more, a regular on the radio.

Originally Posted by a.l.guzzler

He was a Variety Artist... Billy "Uke" Scott. He played the Ukulele and Ukulele Banjo.
He was well known in the 40s & 50s and more, a regular on the radio.

This man al?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcpDDE1UJOI

Great stuff all round, nice to see a little bit of life in the old Past Forum.

Originally Posted by Sgt Wilson

Great stuff all round, nice to see a little bit of life in the old Past Forum.

Couldn't agree more Sarge and let's have more of it. Apart from the football there is little else of interest on here, any more.