Several references have appeared recently to Beniamino Gigli and his performance at the Gaumont Theatre.
It was an afternoon performance at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 14, 1954, in the presence of the Lord Mayor (Alderman Angus Crowther) and the Lady Mayoress, who both went to see Gigli in his dressing room. Gigli said he was “delighted with the Gaumont and its magnificent acoustics and setting”. He sang without the use of a microphone, such were the superb acoustics.
Ticket prices were Balcony, 10 shillings, Stalls, 15 shillings and Circle, 21 shillings. The concert ended with several encores making it a late finish, causing the stationmaster at Exchange Station to hold the departure of the London train for Gigli’s return.
A momentous event in the glorious history of the iconic New Victoria/Gaumont Theatre building.
Colin Sutton, Bradford & Shipley cinemas historian
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