Publisher's Synopsis
This book is not a blow-by-blow account of the extraordinary restoration of the Gaiety Theatre and Opera House in Douglas, Isle of Man, and nor is it intended to be. The words are a romp through the often hilarious memories and misfortunes of Mervin Russell Stokes, the man who has spent much of his working life serving the Gaiety and whose dedication and detective work in reincarnating this magnificent Frank Matcham playhouse became (and continues to be) an all-consuming passion. Mervin's MBE is a just reward for his achievements. Michael Thompson's pictures are a complete photographic record of every detail of the theatre's restored interior and exterior a priceless source of reference for the Gaiety's future preservation and a unique library for all students, researchers and devotees of Matcham's work and Britain's Victorian theatre heritage. With appendices which include a glossary of terms and a listing of all known Matcham theatres, "Saving the Gaiety" is also a book to entertain anyone who enjoys a good read or simply loves the theatre.
