Map coordinates: 848.50002288845, 2057.9995938681
The Tivoli Theatre of Varieties, on the north corner of Miln Street as it meets Brown Street, was opened on 25th March 1901. John Brown, who operated the theatre, had previously managed it as the Alhambra Theatre from July 1898 before deciding to turn it into a music hall. The Alhambra was a popular little theatre and one which certainly aimed to provide respite for its working-class neighbours:
Yesterday night I attended the opening the Alhambra Theatre. It seems to me that the comfortable little building in Brown Street, Lochee Road, only wants to become known to prove popular with those for whom Mr John Young is to cater. Mr Young himself is actor of ability, and there no reason why, unless the Bohemian spirit which makes all lovers of the drama kin is dead amongst us, he should not supported by more favoured playgoers in his effort to provide healthy and instructive amusement for the masses. At last night’s performance I found myself the company of several well-known and critical playgoers, including a keen and well-informed critic. The audience was large, attentive, and appreciative. Dresses and scenery were alike good, and “The Lady Lyons” which was enacted, received a very excellent rendering, Miss Charlotte Ballinger playing Pauline with artistic sympathy, and Mr Young taking the part of Claude Melnotte.
I was much surprised and pleased at the orderly and intelligent behaviour of the crowded gallery, and recalled a certain Advertiser controversy years ago on the merits and demerits of the cheap theatre means of helpful entertainment.
No doubt to-day in the dusty mill flats many of last night’s audience will feel all the brighter for recalling the gay scenes and pretty love incidents of Bulwer Lytton’s play. A work-a-day community like our own needs all the innocent pleasure it can get, and I hope soon again to join company with the mill laddies and lassies who take their humble histrionic faring at the Alhambra Theatre.
‘Here and There’, The Evening Telegraph, 14 July 1898, p2.
The Alhambra offered typical music hall bill in its early years. In April 1901, for example, visitors could enjoy the delights of the Laurence Troupe of lady cyclists, or the standard fare of comic singing from the likes of “coloured vocalist and dancer” Lizzie Allen, the comedienne Edith Royal, or the eccentric songs of Percy Vere. (‘The Dundee Tivoli’, The Courier, 3 April 1901, p.4. See also Music Hall and Theatre Review, 29 March 1901, p2).
By November 1902 the Peterhead based theatre manager W.R. Bell had taken over the premises, continuing with music hall and staged drama, but cine variety soon took dominance. Six days before the outbreak of the Great War, for example, the Tivoli welcomed the American singer, comedian, and black face minstrel performer Lew Dockstader to the stage in between a selection of moving picture entertainments. (‘Amusements in Dundee: Tivoli Theatre’, The Era, 22 July 1914, p11)