The great Lafayette--the man of mystery. [graphic] : Edinburgh Empire Palace Theatre Nicolson Street ... Monday, May 8, 1911 and twice nightly at 6.50 and 9.
Empire Palace Theatre (Edinburgh, Scotland)
[Edinburgh : s.n.,
[1911]
A theatre poster.
The Empire Palace Theatre was located on Nicolson Street Edinburgh. In May 1911 tragedy struck. World renowned illusionist and magician extraordinaire The Great Lafayette had opened a two week season at the Empire Palace Theatre on May 1st. Lafayette, whose real name was Sigmund Neuberger, was arguably the most famous entertainer to have appeared at the Empire up until that point and was certainly one of the best paid of the era. On Tuesday the 9th of May over 3000 spectators had filled the Empire to witness him put on a show of magic tricks and stunts. As he took his bow a lamp fell towards the scenery which immediately set the stage area ablaze. All paying customers eventually made it safely out of the venue after the fire curtain was lowered. Unfortunately, eleven performers and backstage staff including the Great Lafayette perished.
Neuberger, Sigmund
Theatrical posters
Magicians