Description:This photograph shows part of a fully indexed library of music scores dating from the 1920s, covered with 30 years of dust, but still intact at the Sandonia. The kettle drums and the bass drum were used in the orchestra in the days when grand opera was presented there. Out of shot of the camera there was also a violin.
The Sandonia Theatre on Sandon Road, Stafford was designed and built by Sandy and Norris. The theatre was opened on 29 November 1920, with ‘Chu Chin Chow’ a musical tale of the East (based on the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves) by Oscar Asche in 13 scenes. The opening performance was a gala night for Stafford, with the town’s leading personalities attending in evening dress. The show was presented for six nights and a Saturday matinee.
In the twenties the Sandonia presented grand opera and some of the largest musical shows in the country. But it was never a great success either as a theatre or cinema. It closed in the 1960s and became a bingo hall, before being occupied by a snooker club. In 2018 the building was derelict and in July 2021 contractors had started to demolish the building.
This photograph was published in the Staffordshire Newsletter on Saturday 16 July 1955; it appeared in one of three articles dealing with the history of Stafford’s entertainments. Picture reproduced by Kind Permission of the Staffordshire Newsletter who retain copyright.