Cabaret File LD/2 — approximate working period 1977–89
OVERVIEW | CLOSURE | BURSTIN CABARET | THE PRIZ / ONYX | SPONSORSHIP | FRAGMENTS
The Dome was an amusement arcade rather than a documented variety theatre. Its remembered attractions included penny machines, arcade cabinets, bowling and children’s soft play. The Marine Pavilion supplied the neighbouring history of summer shows and cabaret: surviving material includes Dazzle, Showtime, Show Time and Starnite Spectacular.
The title Live at the Dome belongs to the Bear papers. It appears to have been chosen because “Marine Pavilion” would not fit on the board available.
SEASIDE CABARET MATERIAL
| Billing | Surviving description |
|---|---|
| Opening | Roller Cola salute, performed with unopened bottles. |
| Folklore interval | Hooden Horse procession and disputed demonstration of barrel etiquette. |
| Principal turn | The Bear sings Widecombe Fair, then objects to the listed running time. |
| Finale | One more encore, whether requested or not. |
| Refreshments | Rio’s Ice Cream and Silver Spring Roller Cola; vouchers invalid after the first bell. |
After his mid-1980s rehabilitation and keg-training period, the Bear relaunched the turn as Bear Baiting Battle Karaoke. The new version was described as cleaner, fitter and “ready for battle.” It was also longer.
The Burstin transfer belongs to the later part of this file. After an altercation at the Marine Pavilion, the Bear re-described the harbour hotel as “over the road, therefore the same engagement.” Management accepted neither the geography nor the invoice. See the Burstin cabaret file.
1980s SUPPORTERS’ BOARD
Rio’s Ice Cream and Silver Spring Roller Cola, as retained on the 1980s supporters’ board. Silver Spring artwork abbreviates the drink to “Rola Cola,” while Bear paperwork consistently expands it. The sponsor file ends with the Panda Shandy / Roller Cola debacle.
No closing performance can be established. The file simply grows cheaper: full cabaret photographs give way to amusement leaflets, guest spots, nightclub flyers and finally pub barring notices. The Bear continued to claim he was booked entertainment. The venues increasingly disagreed.