PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
The last of the Lechmere Brothers' shows at the Saint James's Hall Palace of Varieties took place on Saturday November 6th 1897 and the company moved to temporary premises off Union Street. Although the Hall had closed down for theatrical purposes, it was still in existence and was converted into a more modest public hall. Its new manager, Mr J W P Mundell, was not to be outdone by the New Palace Theatre and on Monday November 18th 1901 the large audience welcomed an almost entirely new programme of entertainment. Although it contained some general films, like "A Tempest in a Room", "The Old Curiosity Shop", views of mountaineers climbing one of the highest peaks in the Alps and a journey on a Swiss mountain railway, it was noteworthy for the large number of purely local films shown. These included a tram ride over the newly opened electric route from the Theatre Royal to Compton, of which it was said that 'The film is exceptionally clear and all the shops and houses en route come out distinctly.' Other films were of the Plymouth Fire Brigade practising in the Guildhall Square, the Mayor and Councillors leaving the Guildhall, workers leaving Keyham Dockyard and children leaving the Union Street Board Schools. Finally there was a record of a rugby match played at the Rectory the previous week between Plymouth Albion and the Royal Naval Engineering College. Sadly, one film, "Postmen versus Policemen" did not arrive in time for the show and the 'lecturer', Mr E Wensley Russell, had to express the management's regret. Throughout the programme the Fonobia Orchestra under the direction of Mr W Neall, 'played charming selections'. Sources (incomplete):
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