Entertainment at the Corn Exchange

Public entertainment and amusement was one of the objectives of the Corn Exchange when it opened in October 1870 and the main hall with seating for 500 has been in constant use ever since as the leading venue in the town.

Film shows, ice skating, theatrical drama, variety shows, dances and concerts have all been staged here and it soon became popular for visiting artistes who brought a wide range of talent to the town. Here are some of the attractions that the people of Bourne have enjoyed over the years, gleaned from the columns of our local newspapers.

¬ Mr Jabez Inwards delivered an interesting lecture at the Corn Exchange on the 23rd ult: subject, "The Cloud and the Rainbow". - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 1st May 1874.

¬ The Poland street hand-bell ringers gave one of their agreeable entertainments in the Corn Exchange to a large audience on the evening of the 28th ult. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 5th June 1874.

¬ JAPANESE TROUPE: The highly talented company of Japanese artistes gave a clever entertainment in the Corn Exchange on the 9th inst. which was well attended and the performances were much applauded. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 18th September 1874.

¬ ENTERTAINMENTS: The Matthews Brothers' renowned troupe of Christy Minstrels gave a performance in the Corn Exchange on Monday evening. The Canadian skate dance, by Mr Charles Smith, was received with rapturous applause; and the vocal portion of the evening's amusement gave the greatest satisfaction to a large and fashionable audience. On Thursday evening, the Royal Osborne Hand Bell Ringers gave an entertainment in the Corn Exchange to a moderate audience. In the afternoon, there was a juvenile performance for children. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 24th October 1874.

¬ INVITATION BALL: Under the auspices of the principal inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, a brilliant and successful ball was held at the Corn Exchange on Friday evening. Shortly before nine, the guests began to arrive, and before ten o’clock about one hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen “on the light fantastic toe” tripped to the beautiful strains of a full string band conducted by the well-known musician, Mr Wells, of Stamford. The dances were in the following order: quadrille, gallop, lancers, polka, quadrille, schottische, lancers, gallop, quadrille, valse, lancers, Circassian circle, lancers, valse, la tempete, polka, quadrille, gallop, lancers, polka, quadrille, schottische and gallop and soon after five o’clock in the morning, Sir Roger de Coverley brought up the rear. We hear of no incident happening to mar the enjoyment of the guests, and in all respects the affair was so complete a success that it is contemplated making this an annual affair. The decorations of the hall were neat and beautiful, and of a loyal character. From the roof were suspended the Union Jack and a large number of banners of red, white and blue. Large mirrors and lace curtains were hung at the eastern end, and above them a copy of the banner of “Hereward, Lord of Bourne”, bearing his name and the date 1066; a shield and arms, and the words “Vigila et ora,” painted on satin in appropriate colours on a white ground. It was the work of Mrs H Bott, and was greatly admired. At intervals round the room were hung facsimiles of the shields of fifteen of the “Wake Warriors”. Between them were festoons of artificial flowers and evergreen, and the lower parts of the wall were covered with crimson, blue and white papers. The orchestra at the west end of the room was elegantly adorned with plants and flowers, and on the curtain at the back was the inscription “God Save the Queen”. The windows were covered with Japanese curtains, and the effect of the whole baffles description. The reading room was transformed into a coffee room for the early part of the evening, and a card room in the morning. The supper table was spread in the billiard room, and was replete with every variety of sumptuous fare, supplied by Mr A Skinner, of the Nag’s Head Inn; the costly cut glass ware, supplied by Mr T Pearce, giving a rich and brilliant effect. The management was in the hands of a committee of gentlemen, chiefly instrumental among them whom were Messrs. R M Mills, Thos. Harrison, R J Shilcock, A Bott and B Shilcock. – news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 13th February 1875.

¬ CONCERT: A concert of a superior class was given on Wednesday evening last in the Corn Exchange by Madame Thaddeus Wells, Mr Orlando Christian and Mr Henry Nicholson, assisted by the Bourne Choral Society. The audience was select but small, which we regret, as the talent displayed was of no ordinary character. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 24th April 1875.

¬ MR ORVILLE PITCHER'S ENTERTAINMENT: The second visit of this talented vocalist, on Monday evening last, drew a large audience, and his performances were received with rapturous applause. It is a somewhat novel idea which Mr Pitcher has adopted. The entertainment is divided into two parts, "Lights and Shades", the former being impersonations of various eccentricities of European character which are met with in the journey through life, each accompanied with appropriate songs and jokes; whilst in the "Shades", a number of Ethiopian varieties are brought before us, the rapidity in the change of character being marvellous, Mr Pitcher personally maintaining each part. In "Fiction and Fact" and the "Characteristic Banjo Song", the musical performances were of the highest class. The celebrated pianist, Herr Boucheri, accompanied and added not a little to a thoroughly pleasant evening. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 1st May 1875.

¬ The Bourne Amateur Minstrels gave a successful entertainment at the Corn Exchange on the evening of the 4th inst. on behalf of the Reading-room and Library. There was an average attendance who appeared well satisfied with the performances. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 14th May 1875.

¬ The London Opera, Burlesque and Comedy Company gave an entertainment in the Corn Exchange on Monday entitled "Skits and Sketches". There was only a limited attendance, the weather being very unfavourable. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 30th July 1875.

¬ ENTERTAINMENT: Signor Saul Bosco, the great illusionist, gave one one his entertainments at the Corn Exchange on Thursday evening. There was a good company and the performance gave satisfaction with the exception of the "dark seance" which disappointed everyone. A really good comic singer, Mr Jessie Davies, relieved the monotony of the entertainment. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 18th March 1876.

¬ BLONDINETTE MELODISTS: On Tuesday evening, this talented troupe of artistes made their second appearance in the Corn Exchange before a limited audience, which latter fact we regret as these singers and instrumentalists (blondes elegantly attired) present a very attractive programme and the various parts are maintained with great skill and refreshment. Their songs were loudly applauded and the humorous scenes enacted heartily enjoyed. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 28th April 1877.

¬ ENTERTAINMENT: On Tuesday evening last, Mr W Wardroper gave one of his novel entertainments in the Corn Exchange, the audience being limited but most enthusiastic in praise of this clever mimic. His sketch "The Omnibus" presents a great variety of impersonations and songs; the various changes are made with astonishing rapidity and the songs are of first class character and rendered in a masterly manner. Mr Alfred Vaughn accompanied on the pianoforte. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 25th May 1878.

¬ A grand concert was given in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday evening by Mr James Price, organist of the Abbey Church, assisted by Miss Boyer, F Cundy Esq., Mr W J Price, and the members of the Choral Class. The evening was fearfully wet, which no doubt had a great deal to do with the attendance; notwithstanding this, the reserved seats were fairly full. The concert, so far was the executants were concerned, was a great success, the singing of Miss Boyer and Mr Candy being much admired, and both earned for themselves encores. The glees were well rendered, and the pianoforte solos were all that could be desired. We trust that Mr Price may have fine weather at his next concert, so that his efforts may be crowned with greater financial success. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 18th January 1879.

¬ General Tom Thumb and Commodore Knott gave an entertainment at the Corn Exchange on Thursday evening the 15th, and were fairly well patronised. - new item from the Stamford Mercury, 23rd January 1880.

NOTE: General Tom Thumb was the stage name of American-born Charles Sherwood Stratton (1838-83), a little person who achieved great fame under circus pioneer Phineas T Barnum. He was born a normal baby but stopped growing after his first birthday. Stratton made his first tour of America at the age of five with stage routines that included impersonating characters such as Cupid and Napoleon Bonaparte as well as singing, dancing and comical banter with another performer who acted as a straight man. It was a huge success and Barnum took Stratton on a tour of Europe making him an international celebrity, appearing twice before Queen Victoria and with crowds mobbing him wherever he went. Stratton died suddenly of a stroke when he was 45 years old, 3 ft 4 in tall and weighing 71 lb. Over 10,000 people attended his funeral.

¬ ENTERTAINMENT: On Thursday evening the 26th ult., an entertainment was given at the Corn Exchange by the Stamford Amateurs. The first part consisted of a choice selection of well-known songs which were well rendered. In the second part was enacted the popular drama entitled "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" in five acts. The main point in the drama was to show the baneful results of the custom of excessive drinking. The whole of the characters were very well sustained and the general performance of the Society received the hearty applause of a small but appreciate audience. We understand that the Society have been have been invited to repeat the entertainment at a future date and to this they have generously assented, and doubtless on their re-appearance they will be favoured with a crowded house. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 6th March 1880.

¬ ENTERTAINMENT: An amusing and clever entertainment was given at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday evening last by Mr Orville Pitcher entitled "Lights and Shades". The various impersonations were cleverly given, causing roars of laughter from the delighted audience. The hall was about half-filled but everyone present seemed pleased and thoroughly to appreciate Mr Pitcher's untiring efforts to amuse his patrons. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 13th November 1880.

¬ PEPPER'S GHOST AND SPECTRAL OPERA COMPANY: Entertainments have been given at the Corn Exchange by the above company during this week. An adaptation of Dickens' "Christmas Carol" was performed on Monday night, the characters being taken as follows: Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser, Mr C Herbert; Frank Freehead, his nephew, Mr G Eustace; Mr Cheerly, Mr C Thompson; Bob Cratchit, Mr S Ward. The characters in the dream were represented by means of the aetherscope in a very interesting and extraordinary manner. The entertainment on Monday night concluded with the farce entitled "Muddlehead in a Fix, or the Phantom Swindler". Goethe's "Faust" was given on Tuesday and the farce "P.P.P. or the Poor Poet's Plagues" concluded the entertainment. On Wednesday, Schiller's poem "The Storm of Thoughts" was produced, and the farce given was entitled "The Haunted House". On Thursday evening, the "Christmas Carol" was repeated, the cast of characters being the same as Monday night, and the entertainment was under the patronage of Lieut-Col. [William] Parker, J L Bell Esq., and J Gibson, Esq. The attendance was not large. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 26th August 1882.

NOTE: The aetherscope was a device similar to the magic lantern which was popular in late Victorian England for showing projected and moving images incorporating limelight and shadows to create stage illusions, particularly in ghost shows such as this which drew audiences to fairgrounds and theatres all over the country.

¬ MINSTRELS: Messrs Scott & Wilkinson's Blue Ribbon Army Minstrels gave entertainments in the Corn Exchange on Monday and Tuesday evenings, but were only very poorly patronised. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 10th November 1883.

¬ An invitation dance took place in the Corn Exchange on Friday last when upwards of 90 ladies and gentlemen were present. Dancing commenced at 8.30 pm and was continued with great spirit until 4.30 am. The refreshment department was under the able management of Mrs Thornton, of the Nag's Head Hotel. Mr J J Crane acted as MC with his usual ability and the arrangements throughout were first class. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 15th February 1884.

¬ DR LYNN is announced to give his highly popular entertainment in the Corn Exchange on Monday evening next, the 24th, and, considering the world-wide reputation of this wonderful man, we venture to predict a crowded house. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 22nd March 1884.

NOTE: Dr Lynn was a famous magician of the day who toured many countries including the Orient, Europe and the United States. His real name was Hugh Washington Simmons (1831-1899) who served with the British navy before becoming a magician in Australia, reaching San Francisco from Japan in 1863. He is credited with inventing many famous stage illusions and it is reputed that Houdini first became fascinated with magic as a young boy after seeing Dr Lynn perform in his home town. Dr Lynn's often repeated "That's how it's done" during his shows became popular catch phrase in England. One of his most famous tricks was "to cut a living man to pieces", also known as the decapitation act, involving the apparent severance of the left arm, left leg or head of a man, which was introduced by Dr. Lynn in 1874 under the title of "Palingenesia" which was performed at Bourne and later at Boston which was also on his itinerary.

¬ On Wednesday the 17th, a number of children from the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Derby gave entertainments at the Corn Exchange. In the evening there was a crowded attendance, a number of persons not being able to obtain admission. The children showed great intelligence, the result of careful training. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 26th September 1884.

¬ COMEDY COMPANY: Miss Lilith Ellis' Comedy and Burlesque Company commenced a week's visit to Bourne, at the Corn Exchange, on Thursday evening. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 7th March 1885.

¬ CAMPANOLOGY: Mr William Kingsley's Royal Hand-bell Ringers gave one of their amusing and interesting performances at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday evening last to a large audience. The various items on the programme were well rendered, frequent encores being demanded. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 28th March 1885.

¬ WAS IT A MINSTREL'S JOKE? - Matthews' Minstrels were advertised to give a performance in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday evening. A considerable number of persons were awaiting admission at the time announced for opening, but it transpired that the sable performers had not reached the town. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 10th November 1888.

¬ The Gipsy Quartette gave a grand musical treat in the Corn Exchange on the 14th inst. The hall was crowded. About £30 was taken. The profits were distributed to the Teachers' Orphanage and the Teachers' Benevolent Institutions. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 22nd February 1889.

¬ On Saturday evening, the Worshipful Master and brethren of the Hereward Lodge of Freemasons organised a children's tea and entertainment and a juvenile ball at the Corn Exchange. Upwards of 300 children from Bourne and the neighbourhood were present. The happy faces of the juveniles showed that the hospitality of the Masons was heartily appreciated. Various amusements were provided, the most popular being Signor Trevori's clever exhibition of woeful tragedy of Punch and Judy. That the ancient legend has lost none of its charm, and that the death-dealing exploits of the merry hero were as popular as of old, was evident from the peals of laughter which were provoked. Several clever conjuring feats by Signor Trevori kept the children in wonder. Songs and music were interspersed. The room was then cleared for games which, it is needless to say, were thoroughly enjoyed. Tea was served in excellent style by Mrs Shilcock of the Nag's Head Hotel. The juvenile ball was opened at seven and was continued with spirit until about eleven. The music was furnished by Mr T N Wolstencroft, RCML, who presided at the piano, and by the Bourne brass band under Mr A Stubley's leadership. Oranges and cakes were given to the children on departing. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 5th February 1893.

¬ Trilby [a play from the popular novel by George du Maurier] was performed at the Corn Exchange on Friday and Saturday evening by Mr Abud's [theatrical touring] company. Acting and mounting were exceptionally good and the audience were enthusiastic. - news item from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 27th November 1896.

¬ "DANGEROUS WOMEN" was successfully produced at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday and Thursday evenings of last week. F A Scudamore , the author of the drama, has been styled the "Dickens of the Stage" and certainly this drama, with the not too happy though appropriate title, very vividly depicts contrasted phases of character in various classes of society. The staging was perfect and the scenery exceptionally beautiful. Mr George Irvine is to be congratulated on having brought together so talented a company of artistes. Mr Alex Adair (who is well known locally), as Sir Reggie Hopgood, member of the Elysium Club, displayed the rare talent of art that conceals art, in his admirable impersonation of the fashionable idler, with an easy mastery of the manipulation of the monocle, and a pleasant command of the peculiarities of accent and action affected by this exclusive class. The other parts were well filled and the piece proved a great success. - news report from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 9th February 1899.

¬ MINSTREL ENTERTAINMENT: The Livermore Brothers Court Minstrels gave an entertainment in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday last when a good programme was gone through before a fair audience. - news item from the Grantham Journal, Saturday 5th August 1899.

¬ BOURNE HAS JOINED the war against the wearing of topless dresses in public, a fashion that is sweeping the nation. A resolution was passed by Bourne Urban District Council on Tuesday that a ban be placed on females wearing topless dresses being admitted to functions held at the Corn Exchange and that the clerk be instructed to inform the caretaker accordingly. - news report from the Stamford Mercury, Friday 17th July1964.

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