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Alhambra Theatre, Barlow's Yard, Stourbridge

Theatres and Cinemas of Stourbridge, 1752 - 1952

We are very fortunate in obtaining a rare copy of the notes for a lecture given in 1980 by Stourbridge actor Chirs Gittins on the cinemas and theatres of Stourbridge, going back as far as the 1750s.

Chris Gittins (1902 - 1988) was best known for his role as Walter Gabriel in the long running BBC radio series "The Archers". He enjoyed a long and successful acting career and he was in a unique position to talk about the theatres of Stourbridge as he actually performed at two of them in the early stages of his career. Additionally, he must have had a very good memory, relating information clearly as a child as far back as 1910.

The lecture provides a fascinating insight into entertainment in a small town like Stourbridge, for example, who would have thought that roller skating would be a craze as far back as 1909? These notes could also be of value for genealogy research as well, as there are references to many Stourbridge characters along the way.

Ahambra poster
Advertising the Alhambra

Douglas Phelps and dog, with Stage Manager Frank Hemming, next to their Model T Ford converted to a van used for advertising forthcoming events.

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  1. Days when theatres flourished
  2. New forms of entertainment
  3. The dawn of cinema
  4. The final days of Stourbridge theatres
The Still Alarm cast M. Denville, Pat Osborne and company in the American play "The Still Alarm". Horses used to draw the fire engine on to the stage. Taken outside the Alhambra booking office, February 1910.
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Found in a cupboard - a 1964 leaflet for the Clifton Cinema in Lye (click images for larger version)
The Clifton Clifton leaflet
Welcome | About Stourbridge | Glass | Town Tours | Can you Help? | Shopping | What's on
Stourbridge Lion | Music | Sport | Long Lost Friends | Clubs and Charities | Pubs | Schools and Colleges
Genealogy | Stourbridge Area | Business | Links | Lots more stuff | Contact | Homepage