A special trail around Rochdale which will tell the story of the borough’s most famous daughter, Dame Gracie Fields, is taking shape, with a second plaque being unveiled this week.
The trail will be marked by a series of purple plaques to be erected over the coming months in places which were significant in the life of the late singer, actress and comedienne.
The newest plaque has been installed on Newgate House, which was the site of The Old Circus, where Gracie first performed on stage at the age of seven. The Old Circus was later demolished and replaced with The New Hippodrome Theatre, which was built nearby. Gracie made her professional debut at the New Hippodrome, which itself was demolished in 1970. Visitors can view the plaque from the memorial gardens.
The first plaque was unveiled last month in Molesworth Street, where Gracie was born 118 years ago. The building has now been demolished, but visitors can see the plaque nearby.
In total, eight plaques will be unveiled, with the full trail set to be ready in the summer. The completion of the new trail will coincide with the erection of a bronze statue of the late singer, actress and comedienne close to the town hall, which was the focal point of her many return visits to Rochdale.
Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Gracie Fields was a real Rochdale success story who enjoyed worldwide success at the height of her career. Although, she was made a freeman of our borough in 1937 and she opened the Gracie Fields theatre in 1979, we feel it’s only fitting that we recognise her contribution with a permanent tribute. She’s an important part of our heritage and I want all our residents and visitors to be able to celebrate that.”
The creation of the trail comes at a time of heightened interest in the late star, who was rumoured to be the highest paid actress in the world in the 1930s.
As well as the Rochdale heritage trail and statue, The Oldham Coliseum will be staging ‘Our Gracie’ next month, a play which charts the story of Gracie’s life, with Rochdale actress Sue Devaney in the starring role.
House Manager at the Coliseum David Rustidge, has special memories of the late star, having met her when he was holidaying on the Italian island of Capri, where Gracie had a home, in the 1950s.
He said: “We went to see her home and she was sitting around a pool which I think the public could use as well. My father went straight up to her and asked if she would have her photo taken with me and she was really happy to. She was very warm and friendly and was more than happy to speak to holidaymakers from Rochdale. My grandfather had always listened to her records, so I’d grown up with them and was very aware of who she was. She was sitting at the table with a young Grace Kelly and Aristotle Onassis was paying her a visit. She was at the height of her fame, but was still happy to take pictures with fans.”
Our Gracie is showing at the Oldham Coliseum from 4 – 26 March. For tickets, please contact the box office on: 0161 624 2829.
18 Feb 2016