Written by Valentine Day and published in the Referee newspaper in 1917, 'Reminiscences of the Stage' was a 22-part series of historical insights, memoir and short biography largely focusing on aspects Sydney's 'legitimate' and variety theatre industries.
The first 15 instalments are devoted to Harry Rickards, his two Tivoli Theatres and key artists, both Australian and International, who appeared on his circuit. The remaining numbers look at the old Sydney Opera House (16-19), Sydney's Gaiety Theatre (20-21) and the murder/suicide of English actors Amy Rozelle and Arthur Dacre in Sydney in 1895.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
In this first instalment Valentine Day looks at the pre-history of the first Tivoli Theatre in Sydney - its days as the Scandinavian Hall, Victoria Hall and Academy of Music.
In this second instalment of the series Valentine Day looks at the last days of Sydney's Academy of Music, the Garrick Theatre, and Harry Rickards' involevment with both venues.
