Earlier this year, we were thrilled to receive a fantastic
collection of Wakefield Theatre Club memorabilia from a generous donor. The
material was mainly collected in 1970s by Isabel Cheston, who worked at the
club’s cigarette kiosk.
Wakefield Theatre Club was part of the vibrant local variety
scene along with the likes of Batley Variety Club. The memorabilia, including
flyers, posters and programmes, reveals the long and eclectic list of stars who
performed at the club.
Club members were treated to a wide range of different performances:
from singers, dancers and orchestras to comedians, ventriloquists and strong
women like Joan Rhodes. Known as the Mighty Mannequin, she was famed for bending
steel bars and tearing telephone directories in half whilst wearing fishnet
tights and high heels.
Working at the club, Isabel was lucky enough to meet many of
the performers. She amassed a vast collection of stars’ autographs. The
examples below are just a flavour of the whole collection.
Sometimes, Isabel must have grabbed whatever she had to hand
for the artists and celebrity patrons to sign- Leeds United footballer, Billy
Bremner autographed a page from a waitress’s notepad, whilst Les Dawson signed the
back of a fragment of a London Underground map!
The collection also includes a selection of menus from the
club’s restaurant. Audiences could treat themselves to a meal before a
performance. In 1970 patrons could start with either grapefruit or prawn
cocktail followed by a choice of scampi, steak, gammon, chicken, or plaice all
served with chipped potatoes. Pie and peas was a cheaper alternative or there
were salads as a healthier option. A bottle of Moet & Chandon to wash it
all down with would’ve set you back 49/- or, if you preferred, it cost 2/10 for
a pint of bitter or 1/6 for a Coca-Cola or lime and lemon.
Were you a member at the Theatre Club? Who do you remember
seeing and were you lucky enough to meet any stars?
