From Fife to Florida

After our Super 8 film was completed in 1984 and the auditorium was cut up and stored, we knew it was to be rebuilt but at the time we imagined that it would be in the UK, never thinking it would be in the USA.

The photographs taken in 1982 of the derelict theatre in Dunfermline by Talisman Films Scotland were used in a portfolio sent to America by Sir James Dunbar Nasmith and were responsible in no small part in the sale of the theatre to Sarasota.

The interior plaster work that had been removed from the old Opera House was shipped to Sarasota Florida, and rebuilt to as near the same dimensions to replicate the Old Dunfermline Opera House, and thus a reincarnation was born.

The transformation was made possible by L.Grandison & Son a specialist plasterwork restoration company based in Peebles Scotland under the guidance of theatre architects Sir James Dunbar Nasmith and Ian Mackintosh.

The new DVD incorporates interviews with artistes who appeared at the Opera House Dunfermline, and patrons memories of the many shows and plays that were staged throughout the life of the theatre.

Some of the most famous stars to appear at the theatre were Sir Harry Lauder, Will Fyfe and Jimmy Logan to name but a few.

The DVD is narrated by Dunfermline actress and producer Denise Coffey. It follows the Old Opera House from its beginnings to its closure and demolition in the 80’s, and the building of the new theatre in Sarasota Florida.

DVD now available, click here for details.

Below is a selection of photographs showing the interior before demolition in Dunfermline and after being rebuilt in Sarasota.

Before (Dunfermline)	After (Sarasota, Florida)
Auditorium Right
Box B
Entrance to Dress Circle
Opera House
Stage
View of Auditorium