Relive the heyday of provincial British theatre with these golden memories from the recently discovered archive of renowned historian and eccentric, Sir Montague Fancy.
Before departing this earth at a spritely 97 years of age, Sir Montague spent his life squirreled away in "The Tower", a converted nunnery in the small Hampshire village of Daphne St. Bernard, indulging his passion for collecting commonplace everyday objects for the pleasure and education of future generations.
Built in 1897, The Gaiety came to prominence during the early years of the new century, and by the mid 30s could count the great and the good of neighbouring counties among its clientele.
The early days were marked by plays with a social conscience; plays such as "Hows Your Father?", by only child and confirmed bachelor, Tom Bowler. The subsequent outcry served only to boost attendance, and at the same time, attract a more moderate, less strident playwright.
One of whom was Marmaduke Beagle, whose lighthearted whodunit, "Little Johnny Sunbeam" ushered in a change of direction, and allowed The Gaiety to experiment with other genres, some of which were more successful than others.
It was one of the first theatres in the country to embrace the burgeoning contemporary movement, which culminated in the triumphant, yet equally antagonistic run of "The Vicars Carrot", by strident self-proclaimed "Champion of the People", Bambi Canasta.
Attendance declined throughout the 50s, and by the late 60s, The Gaiety had closed its doors for the last time.