Readers of a ‘certain age’ might have fond memories of the golden age of variety shows which took some of the biggest names in the world of entertainment on tour, including to the Adam Smith Theatre.

The passing of crooner Tony Bennett was a sad headline news recently and it overshadowed the death of another star – Vince Hill – who was one of those big names who appeared at the Adam Smith in his hey-day. Hill’s death at the age of 89 brought back a flood of Adam Smith memories for John Murray, who interviewed him backstage in 1981. Here he recalls meeting Vince Hill and those days high days of variety performers who helped shape the theatre’s history:

“He was charming, taking time to talk of his roots as a baker and coalminer before joining The Raindrops vocal group. Going solo in 1961, he made 20 albums and had a handful of Top 20 singles like Look Around and Roses Of Picardy. He was best known though for Edelweiss which stayed 17 weeks on the chart peaking at number two.

“The re-opening of the newly refurbished Adam Smith on September 23 will certainly be spectacular with surprises promised and a superb variety of acts in a show worthy of opening any palace of varieties.

“The show will be hosted by panto villain and BBC radio personality, Grant Stott, who these days can be seen on the River City TV series. He has made a few appearances on stage here though with his Canned Laughter show with Andy Gray and Allan Stewart in 2016, his solo show Tales From Behind The Mic in 2017 and then hosting Raith Rovers Hall Of Fame sold out show in 2018.

“The theatre certainly hosted some credible line-ups over the years, and I did get a chance to interview some visiting stars for radio and press during their stay. Generally, the shows would last up to a week with a matinee on Saturday.

“Impressionist Roger Kitter was one and had to leave the show for a day to appear on Top Of The Pops as ‘The Brat’ as his single Chalk Dust made the Top 20. Roger, who died in 2015, was in a bill at the Adam Smith that starred Cilla Black no less! Acts as diverse as Bob Monkhouse, Sir Patrick Moore, Rick Wakeman, Des O’Connor, George Fame, Frankie Vaughn, Tommy Cooper, the Bachelors and the since disgraced Rolf Harris all starred on the Kirkcaldy boards.”

Image: John Murray with Vince Hill backstage at the Adam Smith in November 1981. (Pic: John Murray.)