Step right up and let me whisk you away to 1904. The Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow bursts onto the scene. This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a magnificent music hall a jewel designed by Bertie Crewe. Imagine the opulence pure Louis XV style. Rococo plasterwork adorned the proscenium arch and boxes. Terrazzo floors gleamed under the light. Rich mahogany shone. Even the ventilation was fancy an electrically operated sliding roof.
The Pavilion Theatre a true icon of Glasgow’s cultural heritage. It opened its doors on February 29 1904. This grand theatre was one of three venues in Thomas Barrasford’s growing chain of British Music Halls. Rich Waldon a founding director of Glasgow’s Royal Princess’s Theatre helped make it a success. From the very start the Pavilion Theatre was a star. The biggest names performed there. Marie Lloyd Little Tich Harry Lauder even a young Charlie Chaplin graced its stage.
For nearly four decades the Collins family ran the Pavilion Theatre. Fred Collins and his son Horace oversaw countless performances. They produced pantomimes revues and variety shows. Some of their pantomimes were even filmed. Glasgow University and the Orchestra of Scottish Opera helped restore and remaster these historical recordings. The Collins family’s influence extended beyond Glasgow. They also ran theatres in Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh and Liverpool.
The Pavilion Theatre continues to thrive. It’s the only privately run theatre in Scotland. One of the few unsubsidised independent theatres left in Britain outside London. It hosts pantomimes plays and alternative comedians. The Mighty Boosh even played there selling out shows in a record-breaking three hours. Janette Krankie a beloved performer was injured during a performance but made a full recovery. The Pavilion Theatre reinvented itself in 2007 becoming the Scottish National Theatre of Variety.
The Pavilion Theatre stands tall on Renfield Street. Near Cineworld and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. It’s a short walk from subway and bus stations. It remains a hub of entertainment and culture. This grand old dame of Glasgow theatre continues its legacy. A testament to its enduring appeal and the magic of live performance. A true icon of Glasgow’s theatrical history. The Pavilion Theatre a place of laughter memories and unforgettable shows.