Stan's
birthday
surprise
BILL CROUCH reports
Glasgow, June 1947 - and a surprise awaits Stan
When Laurel and Hardy toured Britain in 1947, British newspapers reported that at every stage of their tour the comedians experienced a repeat of the eager curiosity which greeted their UK visit 15 years earlier - and their arrival in Glasgow on the 8th June was no exception. In answer to the ceaseless cheering from the street in front of the Central Hotel, their home for two weeks, the comedians acknowledged their reception from the hotel balcony. They were the biggest single attraction during their two week stint at the Glasgow Empire Theatre and there was a surprise for Stan during one performance, as reported in the Daily Record.
Daily Record 17 June 1947:
That bewildered reproachful look of Stan Laurel’s was perfectly genuine last night when he found MacKenzie Reid and Dorothy walking on in the middle of the Laurel and Hardy act at the Empire first house.
When the accordionists began to play ‘Happy Birthday to You’ Stan realised that partner Hardy had only pulled a little stunt to mark Stan’s birthday.
Scotland’s premier accordionists, MacKenzie Reid and wife Dorothy played the British variety circuit for many years. They charmed audiences with their accordion work and gave swing to some old favourites.
They are given mention in Pom! Pom! Roger Robinson’s latest fascinating book. Roger mentions that they accompanied Laurel & Hardy during three British tours of the comedians. (What a week - August 1952)
We also came across this delightful photo from the same 1947 visit to Glasgow
