IT'S been the fate of many theatres over the centuries to fall victim to fires, and Glasgow's have been no exception

IT'S been the fate of many theatres over the centuries to fall victim to fires, and Glasgow's have been no exception

In earlier times, candles and limelight, then later gaslight, took their toll, with wooden seats and stage sets providing plenty of fuel.

Often, the theatres were rebuilt and the city now enjoys many splendid venues, with much better modern safety features.

One sad casualty, though, was the Queen's Theatre in Watson Street, off Gallowgate near Glasgow Cross.

It had been built in the 1870s as the Star Hall, providing affordable and bawdy music hall entertainment - sometimes described as 'not for the faint-hearted' for Glasgow's working people.

It was re-named the Queen's Theatre in 1897 and continued until 1952, when it was completely gutted by fire.