The rear of the Metropole Theatre on Stockwell Street looking east, 28 October 1961, as firemen fought to control the flames that destroyed the popular venue. The junction of Howard Street and Stockwell Street is on the left, below the fire ladders.
The Metropole (originally the Scotia Music Hall) had an impressive 160 feet foyer that opened into the old music hall. It was lined with dark polished wood and housed a large old fireplace. Even after refurbishment in 1897, the theatre had bizarre seating arrangements. Half way along the stalls, a barrier ran from one side to the other. In front of the barrier were plush, red cushioned seats and beyond the barrier was "The Pit" - rows and rows of wooden benches with wooden backs. This seating arrangement continued at least until the late 1940s.
Arthur Jefferson was manager of the Metropole in the early 1900s and his son Stanley collected tickets at the gallery box office. He became an international film star as Stan Laurel.
"The Logan Family" first appeared together on a bill at the Metropole and the act's pianist and singer, Jimmy Logan, developed his talent as a comic actor there. In 1964 he opened Jimmy Logan's Metropole Theatre at St George's Cross.
Reference: STA JLC 46/91
Glasgow University Library, Special Collections
Keywords:
fire appliances, firemen, fires, Logan Family, Metropole Theatre, music halls, rooftops, Scotia Music Hall, Scotia Variety Theatre, theatres
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