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Subversive Performances, Masculine Pleasures
business not to carry a municipal significance and, like other kinds of popular
diversion, they could be seen as the cause as well as the product of social instability.”
79 The very instability of the presentation arguably aided the free circulation
of fashionable stereotypes between performer and audience and back:
Canterbury Theatre of Varieties – “Westminster Bridge Road
Proprietors” – Messrs Crowder & Payne
The Sliding Roof opened when necessary, rendering this the coolest and best
ventilated theatre in London.
Monday May 26 1884 – Important Engagement for Six Nights Only.
Mr Frank Hall’s Variety Company in his musical sketch entitled Robin Hood,
Supported by Mrs George Fredericks (specially engaged) Mr George English,
Mr Frank Hall and other artistes in addition to a numerous corps
of auxiliaries.
Medley – A.G. Vance (The Inimitable) Sisters Cassatti, Will Poluski and the
Black Eel.
TheWorld Renowned Paul Martinetti and Troupe in the successful
eccentricity entitled “A Duel
In the Snow” suggested by the celebrated picture of Jerome . . .
New Scenery – Original Music – Limelight Effects &c.
Charles Carlton & Maude Wentworth – Versatile Sketch Artistes
Frank Travis & Little Dori in Sketch “Out of the Ranks”
Lottie Collins
The Craggs – Unrivalled Acrobats
Jenny Hill – The Vital Spark
Pianoforte Recitals in the Grand Lounge every evening by Mr J.W. Speaight
LAM (Pupil of Sir Julius Benedict) at intervals from 8 till 11.45. Upright Iron
Grand Piano by John Brinsmead & Sons.
Canterbury Aquarium, A Fine Seal. Direct from the Arctic Regions, is on
view in one of the tanks and is fed nightly at 8.00 and 11.30, also a
Russian Water Rat – the largest specimen ever caught. Fed at 8.00 and
11.30 every evening.
The Grand Billiard Salon now open daily from 11am till 12 midnight. Also the
Grand Lounge and Refreshment Bar, with valuable collection of pictures by
Eminent Artists, open all day. 80
In reminiscences of evenings spent at the halls it is the latter attractions announced
by the Canterbury, the existence of comfortable lounges, promenades, bars and
billiard saloons, that impressed the most upon the memory of variety habitués. The
content of the performances paled a little besides the opportunities the halls offered
for browsing, socializing, and enjoying the varied company of a diverse audience.
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