During the period when the cinema was the Essoldo talent competitions were held between the B. Film and the feature film. On one particular evening the acts taking part comprised of two skiffle groups, a classical pianist and various other acts. The names of the groups were the Black Denim Boys and the Quarrymen.Latterly Duke Duval Rockers and The Beatles. The winners of the competition were the Black Denim Boys not as one would have expected the Quarrymen ( this part of the Beatles story seems to have been overlooked), although they went on to do very well didn’t they. The Duke Duval Rockers subsquently played in some very well know venues which included the Cavern Club and the Liverpool Empire with the great Jim Dale. At this time it was thought there was some kudos appearing on the Essoldo the stage being wider than Liverpool Empire.
It would be heart warming if someone else remembers contest.It would be about 1957-1958.
This story should add some interest to the history of what was a beautiful cinema.
Terry Dowker. Duke Duval guitarist.
During the period when the cinema was the Essoldo talent competitions were held between the B. Film and the feature film. On one particular evening the acts taking part comprised of two skiffle groups, a classical pianist and various other acts. The names of the groups were the Black Denim Boys and the Quarrymen.Latterly Duke Duval Rockers and The Beatles. The winners of the competition were the Black Denim Boys not as one would have expected the Quarrymen ( this part of the Beatles story seems to have been overlooked), although they went on to do very well didn’t they. The Duke Duval Rockers subsquently played in some very well know venues which included the Cavern Club and the Liverpool Empire with the great Jim Dale. At this time it was thought there was some kudos appearing on the Essoldo the stage being wider than Liverpool Empire.