From time to time, travelling showmen could add a touch of colour to towns with novel, amusing and sometimes astonishing displays, exhibitions and popular entertainments.
There may have been many quacks and charlatans among the travelling showmen, but some of the exhibitions seem to have been remarkably ingenious, combining elements of entertainment and education, and reflecting popular interest in history, science, nature and contemporary events.

Loutherbourg's Animated Scenery to Paisley, artistic panoramas on an even grander scale were exhibited in the town, depicting the battles of Waterloo, Bannockburn and Trafalgar. A full military band accompanied the destruction of the French and Spanish fleets and the death of Nelson, and rousing patriotic songs seem to have provided a fitting finale to the evening.

Born Samuel Murphy Bodie in 1869, "Dr Walford Bodie MD" was to become one of Scotland's best known Music Hall entertainers. His shows included sleight of hand, hypnotism, electrical tricks and ventriloquism.
A master showman, he often started his performances with a demonstration of his electrical powers by passing 30,000 volts through his body. Unknown to his audience he used static electricity which produced a lot of sparks but was quite harmless.

This beautifully illustrated poster from the Dundee Music Hall and Opera House is advertising the forthcoming production of "The Thistle and Rampant Lion" starring Miss Fanny Wallis and Mr Keynick.

The Dundee Music Hall was situated in a fine square stone building at the foot of Castle Street with a beautifully sprung wooden floor. This poster illustrates the attractions of the time.
The date on the poster is May 7th 1880 and it states that it is the annual benefit of a Mr.W.McFarland. The artistes include Mr William McGonagall, Little Levite and Jessie Nina, Joe Colvero, and performing dogs and monkeys. The prices were from four pence to one shilling for a box.

This poster is advertising a variety show at the Theatre Royal in Castle Street and features artistes such as Sir Roger Tichborne, Miss Maud Burton, comic and characteristic vocalist, and the first appearance of John Wise, advertised as the comical wonder of the century.

This silk poster advertises performances given by Drake's Spectral Opera and Dramatic Company and held in the Foresters' Hall, Dalkeith on Friday April 1st and 2nd 1892. Price of admission was 2 shillings for First Seats and 6d for Back Seats. Carriages were ordered at 10.20 to collect the wealthy patrons.

The programme advertises forthcoming events at the Theatre Royal. Among the attractions are the Carl Rosa Opera Company's productions of "Bohemian Girl", "Mignon", and "Maritana" performed in English, also the Comedy "The Girls Company".
Admission prices for the Theatre Royal are Four Guineas for a private box and one shilling for the Gallery.

This Christmas edition of "Our Special Artist" was produced for the Artists' Company. The booklet was produced for the Dundee Fine Art Exhibition and included many sketches taken from the exhibition by various artists.
The Theatre Royal is also advertising its forthcoming pantomime "Robinson Crusoe".

The period 1880 to 1930 in South Lanarkshire saw many types of street trader and street entertainer. On a sunny day at the beginning of the 20th century a Hamilton crowd presses round the organ grinder and his monkey (the latter's head can just be seen in the foreground).

By the end of the century, nearly every town in Scotland had a football team of sorts. From the big names like Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow, Hearts and Hibs in Edinburgh, to the smaller junior league teams, football was everywhere.

Junior Football Associations mushroomed in the 1880s, boosted in 1886 with the formation of the national Scottish Junior Football Association. Junior leagues began to appear in 1891/92, a year after the inception of the senior Scottish League.