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- Audio tour Summary
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Audio tour Summary
This on-line virtual tour takes the visitor around the sites of some of the old music halls, theatres and cinemas of Aldershot town, giving an insight into the story of how the population of Aldershot has been entertained over the last 165 years.
Following the establishment of Aldershot Army Camp in 1855 there was a huge demand for places of entertainment, both from the soldiers stationed in the garrison and from the growing civilian population. In the new town centre many music halls sprang up, some purpose-built and others attached to some of the town’s many pubs. As the town grew, new theatres were built to provide entertainment of a “higher class” than the music halls to an increasingly prosperous audience. In the early twentieth century the new medium of film was added to the entertainments on offer, initially in converted buildings but then in purpose-built “picture palaces”. Some of these fine buildings remain, others have been lost but the sites can be identified and echoes found from the bygone days. Follow this on-line tour for stories of some of the entrepreneurs, performers and places of entertainment in Aldershot town centre.
- 1 Princes Hall
- 2 Cineworld
- 3 The Alexandra
- 4 West End Centre
- 5 Site of Victory Music Hall and first Theatre Royal
- 6 Royal Arms
- 7 Theatre Royal site
- 8 Hippodrome
- 9 Site of Manor Park Pavilion Cinema
- 10 The Beehive
- 11 The Palace
- 12 Masonic Hall
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Audio tour Summary
This on-line virtual tour takes the visitor around the sites of some of the old music halls, theatres and cinemas of Aldershot town, giving an insight into the story of how the population of Aldershot has been entertained over the last 165 years.
Following the establishment of Aldershot Army Camp in 1855 there was a huge demand for places of entertainment, both from the soldiers stationed in the garrison and from the growing civilian population. In the new town centre many music halls sprang up, some purpose-built and others attached to some of the town’s many pubs. As the town grew, new theatres were built to provide entertainment of a “higher class” than the music halls to an increasingly prosperous audience. In the early twentieth century the new medium of film was added to the entertainments on offer, initially in converted buildings but then in purpose-built “picture palaces”. Some of these fine buildings remain, others have been lost but the sites can be identified and echoes found from the bygone days. Follow this on-line tour for stories of some of the entrepreneurs, performers and places of entertainment in Aldershot town centre.
Reviews
4 reviews
Review this tour-
09-25-2020
Its a shame the Palais Ballroom on the corner of Perowne Street & Queens Road. Also Charlie B was not mentioned as it starred the Beatles in 1961. Also Charlie Chaplin made his first stage appearance at the Theater Royal Alderst in 1894
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09-25-2020
Who would have guessed there have been so many varied venues across the town. We should all be jealous! Well put together 'Friends'.
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09-21-2020
Fascinating to learn a little more about our town’s history. We walk past these places oblivious of their interesting history. Thankyou.
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09-10-2020
Aldershot has a rich and interesting history, civilian and military. Paul’s guide around Aldershot’s theatres and cinemas is interesting and worth a listen even if you don’t manage to get out and walk the tour.
