This original 1871 Dundee Music Hall poster advertises the grand re-opening of W. McFarland’s Music Hall and Opera House at the foot of Castle Street, near the Royal Arch. Bold Victorian typography and ornate decorative elements promote the venue’s fifth season, highlighting McFarland’s promise of leading London and provincial artistes, constant programme changes, and affordable entertainment for all classes. Dated Saturday 26 August 1871, it reflects the vibrant popular culture and lively performance scene of nineteenth century Dundee.
DUNDEE MUSIC HALL AND OPERA HOUSE,
FOOT OF CASTLE STREET, (NEAR THE ROYAL ARCH)
Licensed according to Act of Parliament, Victoria 6 and 7, cap 68.
Lessee and Manager — Mr W. M’FARLAND, 10 Shore Terrace, Dundee.
W. M’FARLAND
Has the honour of announcing to his Friends and Patrons that he
WILL RE-OPEN
The above elegant Establishment on
SATURDAY, AUG. 26, 1871.
In announcing the commencement of his FIFTH SEASON in Dundee, W. M’F. begs to state that he has sought for and procured (regardless of Outlay) some of the PRINCIPAL LONDON & PROVINCIAL ARTISTES and NOVELTIES, which will enable him to produce a constant change of Programme, thus making “THE PEOPLE’S PALACE OF CHEAP AMUSEMENT” worthy the support of all classes.
The following array of Talent will appear on SATURDAY FIRST, and every Evening during the following week.
First appearance in Dundee of MDLLE.
ERNESTINE
Premier Danseuse de Caracteristique in Europe, in her Grand New and Brilliant Transformation Dance of all Nations.
This talented lady appeared on the stage at ten o’clock, and was received with a hurricane of applause. After this had subsided, she danced a most difficult pas with remarkable rapidity. This in no way exhausted the enthusiasm of the audience, and she was again encored, and came on the stage amidst a shower of Bouquets. — Daily Telegraph, July 7, 1871.
First appearance of
MR. AND MRS. BARNEY
AND
LITTLE SHAMROCK
In their Amusing Hibernian Duets, Songs, Dances, and Comic Entertainments.
First appearance of MISS
LILLY EDWARDS
Characteristic Vocalist and Dancer.
First appearance of Messrs
MOORE,
LE CERQ,
AND MOORE
Comedians, Negro Artistes, Duettists, Instrumentalists, Vocalists, and Dancers.
First appearance of Mr
HARRY LINN
Comic Vocalist and Eccentric Dancer.
First appearance of Mr
HARRY WALKER
Comic Vocalist.
ADMISSION:—
Boxes, 1s.
Body of Hall, 6d.
Balcony, 9d.
Back Seats, 4d.
Balcony & Boxes, at Nine o’clock, SIXPENCE.
Doors open at Seven,—to commence at Half-past Seven. SATURDAYS HALF-AN-HOUR EARLIER.
Police in attendance to preserve order.
PRINTED AT DURHAM & SONS STEAM-POWER PRINTING WORKS, DUNDEE.