This book charts the history of the music hall in the area from the early days in the backrooms of Victorian pubs and "gin palaces" to the days of lavish variety theatres such as the huge King"s Palace Theatre, Preston which opened in 1913. Containing chapters on the moral concerns surrounding music hall and visits to the area by legends of the stage, this fascinating book also explores the local rivals to music hall such as theatre and the arrival of what was to change everything - the silver screen.With a foreword by Coronation Street"s Betty Driver, now a familiar actress but formerly a music hall star herself, this fascinating book is an essential guide to the evolution of music hall in the area - and, indeed, across the entire country.