Busy September
Busy September
written by Judith Bowers
September was the busiest month of the year so far, crammed with amazing events, shows and open days.
Silent Film
We ended August with a celebration of 130 years of film with a screening of the very first films to be shown in the Britannia Music Hall on August 25th, 1896. The films were accompanied by Lawrence Dunn and Gilmore McLeod from Gladstone’s Bag, and it was just wonderful. This was closely followed by our Silent Film Night on Wednesday 2nd September with a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s immortal classic, The Gold Rush. Gladstone’s Bag, of course, accompanied live with the whole band bringing the film to life with music and sound effects.
Gig For Hamish Imlach
On the 5th of September we hosted a fundraiser in the memory of the late great Hamish Imlach. Hamish was known for his music talents and was a leading light in the folk revival of the 1960’s. He enjoyed supporting and encouraging young musicians including Eddie Reader,
Billy Connolly, John Martyn, Christy Moore and even Barbara Dickson. His legacy lives on through the efforts of his family who are now founding a charity to support young musicians today and next year they will return with another fantastic event.
Laurel and Hardy
The Laurel and Hardy Film Matinee was buzzing with families and fans. We started the matinees earlier in the summer to encourage families and it has been a roaring success, so keep an eye out for the return of these fun film afternoons in spring 2027; along of course with our regular Laurel and Hardy film nights which have been fully booked every screening this year. The next Laurel and Hardy Film will be on Wednesday 7th October at 7PM.
Maureen Beattie
Maureen Beattie was a real highlight of the month, and I don’t mind saying that. Although we don’t usually pick favourites because we love everything we do and host in the Panopticon, however, Maureen’s reading of Marie of Scotland was outstanding. You could hear a pin drop as the audience sat utterly enthralled by this stunning performance. Miss Beattie took us on a journey through Mary’s life, peppered with humour and pathos, culminating in her horrific death. To describe this performance as impactful is an understatement. The standing ovation at the end was heartfelt.
Bowie Tribute
Spiders on Mars made their now annual visit with more Bowie songs and Bowie fans filling the hall. It was one of the biggest nights on the bar, which is one of our main fundraising tools when we are open. Thank you, Spiders, for returning for a third year! See you in 2027!
Doors Open Days Festival
The latter end of the month included the annual Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival and visitor numbers creeped up to over 1000. We had three school visits, and I presented two talks for the Festival at the Hub in the University of Glasgow’s ARC – The Historic Pub Talk and The Theatre and Entertainment Talk. These talks were fundraisers for the future of the Glasgow Doors Open Day Festival, which has lost much of its funding. However, we all feel at the Britannia Panopticon, that the festival is an important part of our annual heritage calendar and every year it brings literally thousands of new visitors to our beloved music hall and we are proud to be a part of it.
Panopticon Gang Show
September ended with the last Panopticon Gang Show of the year and a truly epic line up of our marvellous volunteer performers hosted by the inimitable, incomparable, edifying Master of Ceremonies Mr Robin Cairns. A special extra thanks goes out to Robin for his time not just as our monthly MC during the summer months, but also for his donation of screen-printed tote bags, signage and help with maintenance – he is a very handy man to have around.
Theatre and Entertainment Tour
It was also a busy month for the Theatre and Entertainment Tour which starts at St Enoch Subway Station and ends in the Panopticon. The final tour of the year was one of the busiest. Don’t worry if you missed it, it will return in Easter 2027, so keep an eye on our website and social media. Here’s a photo of last weeks tour group on the stage with me.
It has been an incredible end to the summer season, and we would like to thank everyone who has volunteered, performed and supported. Without you it really wouldn’t be the same.
Thank you!
October Events – Coming Soon!
2nd October Bizarre Magic, 3rd October Tea & Tarot, 7th October Laurel and Hardy Film Night, 9th October The Panopticon Comedy Club, 16th October Rocky Horror Picture Show with The Denton Deviants Shadow Cast, 17th October Ash Pryce’s Spook Show, 23rd October Fright Night – Story Telling, 24th & 29th October Darker Materials, 28th October The Magician -Silent Horror Film with Gladstone’s Bag, 31st October Halloween Market.
For more information and to book tickets check out our events page.
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