The world's oldest surviving music hall, the Panopticon was founded in 1857 on the Trongate and quickly became famed as being the most popular place of amusement in the city. 1500 people would cram themselves onto wooden benches for every show.
The audience gained itself a reputation for "leaving no turn unstoned" and over the years the stage saw performances by such greats as Dan Leno, Harry Lauder, Marie Loftus, Charles Coburn, Harry Champion, W. F. Frame and of course, the debut of a sixteen year old Stan Laurel in 1906.
At the turn of the millennium, the music hall was rediscovered and a team of dedicated volunteers continue to working towards the goal of ultimately restoring this unique and valuable little auditorium.
- More info and directions: http://britanniapanopticon.org
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