As Bournemouth Pavilion looks ahead to celebrating its centenary in 2029, a generous donation has helped bring its rich theatrical past vividly back to life.
Following a recent appeal for items to enrich its growing archive, Bournemouth Pavilion has received deeply personal contribution from Poole resident Adrian Zakrzewski, who has donated his late mother’s cherished collection of autograph books in her memory.
Adrian’s mother, Lorna Hussey, worked in Bournemouth Pavilion’s box office throughout the 1930s and into the post-war years, remaining at the venue until 1946. Her role placed her at the heart of a golden age of live entertainment, when variety acts, comedians and music hall stars drew packed audiences to the iconic seaside theatre week after week.
“My mother loved the arts,” Adrian explains. “She taught music and dancing to youngsters, played the piano, and enjoyed meeting all the different performers and visitors that came through Bournemouth Pavilion.”
Lorna left her role at Bournemouth Pavilion following her marriage to Adrian’s father. Sadly, due to personal difficulties and the lasting impact of her experiences during the Second World War, she rarely spoke about her time working at the theatre. It was only years later, when Adrian uncovered long-forgotten boxes at her home, that the full story of her remarkable experiences began to emerge.
Inside were Lorna’s autograph books, beautifully preserved collections of handwritten messages, signed photographs and newspaper cuttings that together paint a vivid picture of life backstage during one of the most exciting periods in British entertainment history. The pages chronicle a week-by-week record of famous names who appeared on the Pavilion stage, capturing the excitement of performers and audiences alike.
Among the most striking items are two large black-and-white signed photographs of Gracie Fields, one of which is personally inscribed to Lorna. Fields was one of Britain’s most popular entertainers of the 1930s. She began her career touring as a variety performer at local theatres such as Bournemouth Pavilion. By 1937, she was the highest-paid British film star.
Fields’s first performance at Bournemouth Pavilion was in September 1934. She returned for three consecutive days of performances in September 1936. These engagements were part of her regular work on the British variety circuit, where popular music hall and screen stars would headline variety bills in seaside and regional theatres across the UK. Bournemouth Pavilion was firmly established as a key stop on that circuit.
Adrian has now kindly donated his entire collection to the Pavilion Archive in memory of his mother, ensuring it is preserved professionally and made accessible for future generations.
“I’m very pleased that this collection has found a safe home back at the venue my mother loved so much,” he says.
“Knowing her memories will become part of Bournemouth Pavilion’s story means a great deal to me.”
Every donated artefact adds to the story of a building that has entertained generations and continues to inspire pride in Bournemouth today.
Bournemouth Pavilion is owned by BCP Council and operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;
“As we prepare to mark Bournemouth Pavilion’s centenary in 2029, contributions like this are incredibly meaningful. Adrian’s generous donation of his mother’s autograph books not only helps us preserve Bournemouth Pavilion’s rich history, but also brings to life the personal stories and memories connected to the venue. We are deeply grateful to him for entrusting us with such a precious collection.”
As Bournemouth Pavilion approaches its landmark centenary, contributions like Lorna Hussey’s autograph books help safeguard its legacy for the next hundred years.
Anyone wishing to contribute memories, memorabilia or artefacts to the Pavilion Archive is encouraged to get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, BH Live. It has been established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts a year-round diverse programme of events and entertainment such as musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, and dance. Gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, corporate presentations, product launches, conferences and exhibitions also feature.
A dedicated archive team made up of volunteers work year-round to preserve the venue’s heritage and cultural history. For more information, including how to donate, get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.
Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West, and the Pavilion at AUB, a rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace operates throughout the spring and summer season, serving a delicious range of hot and cold drinks, grab-and-go items, and hot food from pop-up stalls and container bars. The Terrace Bistro serves a seasonal menu, offering an indoor and alfresco dining experience.
- See what’s on and buy tickets online at co.uk
- Buy tickets by phone 0300 500 0595
- In person from box office – see website for opening times.
For call charges, opening times and more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us:
Facebook, Instagram – @BournemouthPavilion
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BU, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.