Opened in 1926, the Teatro Variedades has been silent since 1992. It stands here in Parque Mayer close to Avenida da Liberdade. Imagine the echoes of laughter and applause that once filled this space.
The Teatro Variedades was designed by architect Urbano de Castro. Entrepreneur Luís Galhardo first considered its construction in 1922. Building began two years later. The Teatro Variedades was not alone. It was part of a complex of theatres. The Teatro Maria Vitória was the first to be constructed in the park.
Its inaugural show was on July 8 1926. The show was called Pó de Arroz meaning Rice Powder. The cast included Vasco Santana as the main attraction. Augusto Costa was the compère. There were two shows that night. One at 9 PM and another at 10:45 PM. The audience acclaimed the performances. However, the opening was not auspicious. The following day, the theatre had to close. The Ditadura Nacional National Dictatorship overthrew President General Manuel de Oliveira Gomes da Costa.
Teatro Variedades produced about five long-running variety shows a year. This continued until the 1960s. There were usually two shows a day. On Sundays, there were three. Famous Portuguese performers graced this stage. Laura Alves Palmira Bastos and Beatriz Costa all performed here. Irene Isidro Raul Solnado and fado singer Amália Rodrigues also appeared.
The popularity of variety shows declined over time. Television became more popular. In the early 1960s the Teatro Variedades was renovated. In 1966, a fire damaged the theatre and other buildings in the park.
Some renovation took place in the early 1990s. Teatro Variedades was used for a TV series in 1992. This Rádio e Televisão de Portugal RTP series had 26 parts. Filipe La Féria directed it. The show featured guest artists from past Teatro Variedades shows. There was also a fixed cast of younger performers. The goal was to restore the theatre to its former glory. Sadly these were the last performances.
The Teatro Variedades hosted many revues. These shows were known in Portugal as Teatro de Revista. The theatre reached its peak in 1931. Songs like “Burrié” from The Mussel were popular. “O Cochicho” from Pim Pam Pum! was also a hit. Beatriz Costa with her pencil-thin eyebrows made them famous.
Barefoot in the Park was playing when the fire broke out in 1966. The flames spread causing serious damage. The music eventually stopped completely. Showtimes became sporadic. After almost 70 years of entertainment the Teatro Variedades closed in 1992. It has remained unused for many years.
Parque Mayer may have an encore. The site has changed hands several times. There was even a plan to involve architect Frank Gehry. It remains to be seen what will happen to this former wonderland. As you stand here remember the stories of the Teatro Variedades.