Alex Munro & Live Entertainment in Llandudno

[Trojan]

That's a good one. I wonder why they removed those two conical towers?"

[Ian]

The combination of piano, violin, viola and cello was small but the reason for its existence was dictated by the tenants of numerous souvenir kiosks, tobacco shops (and a café at the end of the pier) insisting on some attraction being provided to tempt off-season promenaders to walk along the pier”

I've often thought how delightful it would be to reinstate a pier-head orchestra of sorts, and that combination could be achieved with the folk already living in town, but the problem would be the acquisition of a decent piano. And the music they'd produce would be unlikley to attract more than a few of the curious.  Might work for one day a week during the peak summer weeks.

[DaveR]

I think it would work well, you'd have to stick to the more popular pieces, of course.

[Ian]

Wonder about a talent competition?

[DaveR]

Again, with a bit of publicity in the local press and a bit if effort, no reason why it shouldn't work well. The plethora of tv talent shows is proof that people like such things and a live talent show gives the performers an opportunity to hone their talents in front of a proper audience.

[Micox]

Well. What about the Stage Door and the resident band there led by a local lad, Glyn Dryhurst?

[DaveR]

Let's not forget the Teenbeats either:

[smg id=1186]

[DaveR]

Hutchinson Leisure Group, who controlled most of the cinemas in North Wales by the 1970s:

[smg id=1188]

[DaveR]

Alex Munro, looking more sombre than usual. He's leaning on the modern tollgate that was installed in the 1970s to catch people wanting to walk don the main section of the pier:

[smg id=1639]

[Ian]

People often use the phrase 'a true professional' when they talk about folk like him, but he really was special.  His ability to communicate with the audience in any conditions, to always be able to summon the right words and to make it all appear effortless concealed the immense talent and ability he possessed. 

[DaveR]

Alex performing before a packed audience at Happy Valley in the 1970s:

[smg id=1647]

[Fester]

Seeing that just makes me sad that I missed those days.... I have seen similar things, but not in Llandudno... it looks a bit special.

[suepp]

Let's not forget the Teenbeats either:

[smg id=1186]

Is the White Rabbit missing in this photo?

[Trojan]

Probably away for repair due to vandalism.

[DaveR]

Alex Munro and the cast of Showtime pose on the Happy Valley steps (to side of cafe) back in 1964:

[smg id=2399]