The Kings Theatre, Kilmarnock

The Kings Theatre was built for R C Buchanan, leader of the group of Edinburgh businessmen who built the King's Theatre Edinburgh. Buchanan was experienced in the industry and managed a number of provincial variety theatres, including Ayr Gaiety when it opened in 1903.

This image of the Kings dates from shortly after the theatre opening in the autumn of 1904. The large poster to the left of the main door announces performances of The Belle of New York by the Ben Greet Company. This was one of some four or five touring companies presenting this musical comedy in the provinces between 1898 and 2008. The same company had performed this work at the Ayr Gaiety in January 1903.

The Belle of New York is a musical comedy in two acts, with book and lyrics by Hugh Morton and music by Gustave Kerker. Opening in New York in 1897, it ran for only 64 performances. It subsequently transferred to the Shaftesbury Theatre in London. Opening on 12 April 1898, it was a major success, running for almost 700 performances. It was the first American musical to run for over a year in the West End of London.

In the show, Violet, a Salvation Army girl, reforms spendthrift Harry Bronson. Bronson's wealthy father, Ichabod, is so delighted with his son’s improvement that he insists on Harry breaking off his engagement to fiancee, actress Cora Angelique, and marrying Violet instead. He makes her the heir to his fortune. Violet, however, realises that Harry and Cora truly love each other, and she is intent on Harry getting the inheritance. Violet deliberately shames herself in front of Ichabod by singing the risque "At Ze Naughty Folies Bergère", so Harry's name goes back in the Will. Harry finally sees the error of his ways and falls in love with sweet, simple Violet.

In London, the show was produced by George Musgrove. His production also toured provincial theatres. There were nine West End revivals over the next four decades.