Alhambra Music Hall, 1867

Alhambra Music Hall playbill dating from 1867, advertising William McFarland’s Benefit, Artillery Volunteer Band, Gold Medal: Comic Vocalist, Silver Medal: Best Highland Dancer, Silver Medal: Amateur Gymnast, Performing Elephant, and The Haymakers Festival.

THE ALHAMBRA – MR M’FARLAND’S BENEFIT. Last night the performances at the Alhambra Music Hall were for the benefit of Mr M’Farland, the proprietor, and were under the patronage of Captain Commandant Sandeman of the 4th Forfarshire Artillery Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Alison, Captain Guild, Captain Macdonald, and other officers of the Volunteer Corps. A most attractive programme having been announced, the house, shortly after the hour of opening, was literally crowded from floor to ceiling. The entertainment commenced with an overture by the Artillery Band, and thereafter the exciting spectacular ballet the Haymaket Festival was performed. Previous to the competitions for the medals to be awarded by Mr M‘Farland to the best performer on the trapeze, the best Highland dancer, and the best comic vocalist. Mr M’Farland appeared on the stage amid deafening cheers, and said – Captain Sandeman, Lieutenant-Colonel Alison. Captain Guild, Captain Macdonald, and other officers of the Volunteer Corps, who have honoured me with your patronage, and ladies and gentlemen, – l take this opportunity thanking you for the very liberal manner in which you have been pleased to support me on this occasion. (Applause.) I shall not occupy much of your tune with what I have to say. I will leave it all of you to judge of the manner in which I have conducted this establishment during the last twelve months. (Applause.) I think, if you will look around this hall to night, you will agree with me when I say that the presence of such a large company is the best proof that I could possibly wish that during the time I have mentioned I have endeavoured give at least satisfaction. (Applause.) I do most sincerely thank you for your support; and permit me, through you, to thank the town and the surrounding neighbourhood for the liberal manner in which I have been supported in my endeavours to bring forward an interesting series of entertainments. You know, when I first commenced the speculation – and indeed it was a speculation – the difficulties which were before me in path, insomuch that many of friends cautioned me not to enter upon such large speculation, Dundee would not support it. Bat now I glad to say that, though it was a speculation, it has proved a decided success, and of that I am very proud. I trust, now that I have become one of yourselves, having become residenter is Dundee – and I trust I may long so – (applause)- that in future I may be successful I have been hitherto. You may depend upon my using every exertion in power, aided liberal purse, make the Alhambra in future what it has been the past – a place where any party may enjoy hour’s innocent recreation, with profit himself, and without being insulted or annoyed. (Applause) And now my friends – and I am glad speak of you as such – let me say word to you of the future entertainments to be provided in this place. You know that this establishment was originally erected by the Messrs Sanger as a circus. During their stay here I believe they gave satisfaction ; but, desirous that the hall should kept open a place of amusement, they leased it me. and I did what I could make it respectable Music Hall. My season close to-morrow night (Saturday), and, on the 15th inst., I will have the honour of again opening this establishment as a circus. (Applause ) I will not make any boast about what I intend to do. I will only say that in my new sphere I shall endeavour to give such entertainment the present popular prices will meet tie patronage of the inhabitants of Dundee. (Applause.) Some attractive novelties will be produced, and that at the close of the season I shall have succeeded in retaining the same good opinion which you have manifested towards this and other occasions. (Applause.) In conclusion, allow me again to thank you for your very kind patronage this evening. (Great cheering.) The most amusing part of the evening’s entertainment was then proceeded with. After judges has been appointed, two competitors appeared for the medal to be given the west gymnast – viz ,Mr Thomas Lindsay, joiner, and Mr Samson. The performances of these gentlemen would have reflected praise on professionals, and so clever were they that they were cheered till the hall resounded again and again, medal, however, was awarded Mr Lindsay, the next competition, eight gentlemen in Highland  costume appeared. The reel with which the competition was opened was gone through in anything but a creditable manner, and evoked the laughter. Afterwards, however, the gentlemen appeared individually on the stage and danced the Highland Fling. With one exception – whose extraordinary gestures and the get up of his dress created convulsive laughter – the whole exhibited considerable able ability. At the close of the competition, Messrs Robb and Sime were found be about equal; and, on these gentlemen dancing again, the latter was declared to be the winner of the medal. Next followed the comic vocalist competition, which six Dundee youths engaged – vis., Thos. Ness, Brown, Cant, Fyffe. Kerman, and Grieves. In some cases considerable amusement was afforded; but, on the whole, the competitors showed a considerable amount of talent, and were warmly applauded. Mr Chambers, the musical director, acted as judge, and decided in favour of Grieves, to whom the medal was awarded amid great applause. As already mentioned, the Alhambra closes to-night. ‘The Alhambra – Mr McFarland’s Benefit’. The Dundee Courier & Argus, 8th June 1867, p.2.