This book charts the history of variety in the town of Ashton-under-Lyne, beginning in the early 1800s. Stories of the town theatres are told,  including the ‘Gas Works Theatre’; the Star Theatre; the Tameside Theatre; the Empire-Hippodrome; and the Ashton theatre, built for the Revill family, whose stage connection went back to the 18th century. Shows included Richard III, Don Juan and Scandal, with “a thrilling bedroom scene,” as well as a comedy revue starring George Formby, at The Ashton Empire Hippodrome, with acts including The 4 Conchords and Percy King. The magnificent Theatre Royal opened in 1891, designed by Frank Matcham, whose London venues included the Hippodrome, Hackney Empire and the Palladium. The Theatre Royal closed in 1955, after a last show with Lancashire’s own Frank Randle. This book showcases the theatre history of Ashton-under-Lyne and the performers who entranced audiences for so many years.