STAR-STUDDED and reliably glamorous, Glasgow’s Five Past Eight Show was a much-loved variety staple in the city.

It attracted huge names from around the country and beyond, from Shirley Bassey, Bruce Forsyth, Norman Wisdom and Harry Secombe to Stanley Baxter and Jimmy Logan, and it was the birthplace of classic double act Francie and Josie (Rikki Fulton and Jack Milroy).

(Image: Newsquest)

READ NEXT: The lost Glasgow shop which was a 'magnificent palace'

The Five Past Eight shows began on May 26, 1955 at the Alhambra, described by critics as “a new world of light, colour, music and irrepressible laughter on a plane not seen or expected in a ‘local’ show and rarely in a London visitation.”

The choreographer of that first show, who also had a key role, was Lionel Blair.

Glasgow Times reader Dorothy Connor, from Rutherglen, made just one visit to the Alhambra to see the Five Past Eight Show, but she has never forgotten it.

“I was just a wee girl and this was a very special occasion,” she recalls.

“We had relatives visiting from Canada and were treating them to a night out. On the bill was Bruce Forsyth, The Tiller Girls and the Beverley Sisters - all big stars in the 1960s.

(Image: Newsquest)

“Mum, dad, my brother Douglas and I went for a meal first at the nearby Toby Jug. This was a huge treat. I remember clearly the menu - a mixed grill – which was such a feast for a wee girl. I think dad polished off most of it.

READ NEXT: Call to remove 'squad of trees' from historic Glasgow grave

“In those days, everyone dressed up for the theatre and I remember the new outfit I was wearing as it was so special.

“My Canadian relatives had brought me a white lace top with embroidered flowers which I wore with a white pleated skirt and mum had bought me white slipperette shoes with gold trim for the occasion.

“Dad bought mum a box of chocolates which were discreetly passed round during the performance.”

Dorothy was “mesmerised” by the high-kicking Tiller Girls and the Beverley Sisters, but it was Bruce Forsyth who was the star of the show, she says.

“He loved to chat with the audience and asked people where they were from,” recalls Dorothy.

“When he called out ‘is there anyone here from Ireland?’ my dad answered ‘yes’ – as we have Irish roots.

“My dad's boldness left him when the spotlight was shone on to him and Bruce Forsyth asked ‘which part?’

“Dad slunk into his seat, mortified, and couldn't answer, as Bruce shouted, ‘there's an Irishman who doesn't know where he's from…’

“The whole theatre roared with laughter. My dad slid down even further into his seat.

“It was a lifetime ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. That memorable night instilled in me a lifelong love of theatre.”

Among the stars in May 1962 was the city’s very own Lena Martell, pictured here at the stage door of the Alhambra Theatre.

Lena, real name Helen Thomson, went on to have a stellar career in theatre, TV and musicals, famously having a Number 1 in 1979 with One Day at a Time.

Lena MartellLena Martell (Image: Newsquest)

Talking of the famous dance troupe, in July 1962, fresh from Sunday Night at the London Palladium, the Tiller Girls were back at the Five Past Eight Show.

(Image: Newsquest)

During their visit, the women also visited the city blood bank to give blood in gratitude for the transfusions given to one of their colleagues who had died from leukaemia. Our photograph shows one of the dancers, Jean Fisher (left), giving blood watched by her colleagues, as fellow dancer Pamela Wade, right, waits her turn.

Dorothy Nelson, secretary of the service, told the Evening Times the following morning: “The people of Glasgow have done it again. They are a very warm-hearted and generous people.”