HOW wonderful to see the late and much lamented Alhambra Theatre gracing your pages, again, in your “Those were the days ... ” feature (January 5)). It is sad to reflect that, by 1964, we had already lost the Old Empire (1963) and that the Alhambra had, herself, but another four or so years to go until her curtain finally fell.

The theatre opened only in 1910, so did not manage to aspire to the 90-years legacy of the Empire’s site: from the Gaiety (1874), to the Empire Palace (1897); and so, to the Empire herself, renowned as she was, in 1931. But the Alhambra was, like the Empire, variety at its best. Halcyon days, indeed, for the city and a live entertainment heritage to be proud of.

Brian D Henderson,

Vice-President, Old Glasgow Club,

44 Dundrennan Road, Glasgow.