Since being built in 1901, the theatre has had it's fair share of tragedies; and not just the plays.
Three people have been reported to have died in the building, two people who worked there had a vital role in the running of the theatre. The first is actress Gracie Housley, a performer at the theatre when it first opened. She died on the stage in 1902, aged just 22, during the performance of the song 'Goodbye Dolly Grey.'
The second person to die there was a former wardrobe master who died suddenly one evening, and who is now said to haunt the building.
[Gracie Housley, an actress who died on stage at the Alexandra Theatre in 1902]
The second person to die there was a former wardrobe master who died suddenly one evening, and who is now said to haunt the building.
The other is probably the most famous ghost of the Alexandra Theatre; a former stage and cinema tycoon named Leon Salberg who took over the venue in 1911. Everyone knew him as the Pantomime King, and he remained manager of the theatre until he was found dead in his office within the building, on 29th September 1937.
There are three other reported ghosts that reside within the building; a stage manager named Dick, a mysterious 'grey lady' and a man dressed in military clothes and, oddly enough, wearing a top hat.
These beings have been connected to many odd happenings and noises over the years in the theatre. People blame 'Dick' for jangling keys, and knocking and tapping on things. The man dressed in military clothes has been blamed for poking staff and visitors while they've been seated in the auditorium. And the overall presence of the beings has been held responsible for
[Leon Salberg, manager of the theatre from 1911-1937]
There are three other reported ghosts that reside within the building; a stage manager named Dick, a mysterious 'grey lady' and a man dressed in military clothes and, oddly enough, wearing a top hat.
These beings have been connected to many odd happenings and noises over the years in the theatre. People blame 'Dick' for jangling keys, and knocking and tapping on things. The man dressed in military clothes has been blamed for poking staff and visitors while they've been seated in the auditorium. And the overall presence of the beings has been held responsible for
power inexplicably being drained from electrical devices within the theatre.
Staff have also reported doors opening and closing overnight, even when the theatre is closed.
In more recent years, there haven't been many reported sightings or paranormal disturbances. Does that mean that the spirits reported to reside in this theatre have calmed down a little bit? Have they moved on? Or were the stories simply cooked up in an attempt to boost the popularity of the theatre? For now, we don't know. But either way, Alexandra Theatre has had it's fair share of tragedie, and goes down as one of Birmingham's most haunted theatres.
Staff have also reported doors opening and closing overnight, even when the theatre is closed.
In more recent years, there haven't been many reported sightings or paranormal disturbances. Does that mean that the spirits reported to reside in this theatre have calmed down a little bit? Have they moved on? Or were the stories simply cooked up in an attempt to boost the popularity of the theatre? For now, we don't know. But either way, Alexandra Theatre has had it's fair share of tragedie, and goes down as one of Birmingham's most haunted theatres.
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