Crowds flock to new Spanish City
THE Wallsend Herald of June 26, 1908 reported that numbers of holiday visitors to Charles Elderton's new Spanish City in Whitley Park were only rivalled by Blackpool and Margate.
Mr Elderton also ran Hebburn Theatre during the winter season.
Success of performances by the Toreadors concert party in the mock "Spanish City" of stalls painted with Spanish scenes lead to the building of the permanent Empress theatre on the site and the creation of Whitley Pleasure Gardens in 1910 at a cost of around 15,000.
For admission of threepence patrons could access the theatre promenade, Figure-8 Railway, Social Whirl, Water Chute, Hall of Mirth, Ye Olde Mill and Maze.
The 60ft high Rotunda housed the 50ft diameter dome supported by 12 columns with spacious theatre, entertainment hall, shops, kiosks, cafs, roof gardens and promenades "with splendid views of the seaside and funfair" and storage for cycles.
Whitley Council's surveyor tested the load-bearing capabilities of the upper promenade and gallery using 1,000 11/2cwt bags of sand and 130 workmen prior to opening.
From October 1920 the New Empress Ballroom, "the finest ballroom in the north of England", held popular dances every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, admission 1/6d.
The ballroom floor was re-laid in 1936 and it was redecorated and restored after de-requisitioning by the Armed Forces in 1947, when it was the first to be featured in BBC Northern Palais series of radio broadcasts for the Home Service.
In the late 1960s and early 70s the "Come Dancing" show was televised from the Empress.
If anyone has further information ask for Local Studies on (0191) 200 5424 or e-mail local.studies@northtyneside.gov.uk
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Friday 10 February 2012
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