At some point in the long hot summer of 1971, when Perth Theatre was making plans to host its first Festival of Arts, one worker decided they need some time to themselves.
They squirrelled themselves away into an attic space above the auditorium, safely away from the drama on and off stage below, and amused themselves for a few minutes flicking through the pages of the latest Jackie magazine – featuring back cover pin-up, Neil Diamond.
We’ll never know what happened next, but for whatever reason they had to make a quick exit, leaving the magazine behind, neatly folded in half.
Some 45 years later, the publication was found by a construction crew working on the theatre’s £16.6 million transformation.
So who was this person who, to this day, might be wondering where they left their copy of Jackie magazine?
“Probably just some chancer skiving off in the attic,” according to Craig Bulloch, who is senior project manager, overseeing the theatre’s transformation.
Work on the ambitious redevelopment got underway earlier this year and is on target for a re-launch in late 2017.
The job has reached a significant milestone, with a three-storey extension – completed in 1985 – now completely demolished to make way for a bright new foyer, bar, restaurant and 200-capacity studio theatre.
The remains of the extension are still there, however, crushed into the foundations of the new building.
The focus now moves to the restoration of the B-listed Edwardian auditorium. It is being restored to its former glory and all original features such as walls, plasterwork, seating and lighting will be repaired and replaced.
The walls will be predominantly red, with mouldings replicated in cream and gold.
The Courier has been given a sneak peek inside the old theatre – where stars including Ewan McGregor began their career – as construction rumbles on.
Mr Bulloch, of Roberston Construction Tayside, said the project has been smooth so far. “Work is going well and as programmed,” he said. “We should have no issues handing over when the time comes.”
From early August, it’s going to be hard to miss the work being carried out at theatre. A massive 230ft crane will be brought in for about six months to help swing the skeleton of the new complex into place.
“It is really going to change the skyline of Perth,” said Mr Bulloch.
The pristine Jackie magazine, dating from August 1971, is just one of several treasures which have been unearthed during the work.
Old tickets – including one from 1912 for a show called April Fool’s Day – were found in the Gods (or upper circle) which has been re-opened for the first time since the 1960s.
All the artefacts, some taken from long-forgotten cupboards and hideaways, will eventually go on show as part of a project by the theatre’s memory collective team.
The group of volunteers are working to investigate the history of the theatre and are putting together a performance with local schoolchildren.
To contribute to the memory project contact creativelearning@horsecross.co.uk
