Roll up, roll up and join Paranormal Scotland Ltd as we immerse ourselves in the world of entertainment and showbusiness at the world-famous Britannia Ponopticon music hall. Situated on Glasgow’s historic Trongate, this music hall sprang to life in 1857 during a period of rapid population growth and overcrowding in the city, creating a demand for entertainment venues. Music halls were a popular form of entertainment among the working classes during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Initially, these venues were back rooms behind pubs, but the Britannia Ponopticon is unique as it is located on the floor above! It could accommodate over 1500 visitors, who were eager to be entertained and let off steam while watching a variety of acts, including singers, dancers, comedians, acrobats, animal acts, and novelty acts. The audiences back then were not as forgiving as they are today. If your act was not enjoyed then you ran the risk of having a myriad of items launched at you including rotten fruit and veg, fish heads and guts, nuts and bolts from the nearby shipyards and even being urinated on from the gallery above. The Britannia Ponopticon assisted in launching the careers of many performers, one of the most recognisable is Stan laurel of laurel and hardy.
In the year 1906, A.E. Pickard, an eccentric showman, expanded the entertainment offerings at his establishment to include a carnival, freak show, waxworks, and a zoo. Visitors were able to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Bear in the basement or the Tattooed Lady in the attic.
The Britannia Ponopticon stands today as a testament to those bygone days of working-class entertainment. Today, the Britannia Ponopticon is still bustling with a variety of performances entertaining audiences. Although it is not only the living that are among the audience. The Britannia Ponopticon is as active with paranormal activity as it is with entertainment acts. The ghostly spectral figure of a man has been seen on the balcony watching the acts perform, especially the acts that involve young pretty women. There is even a resident chimpanzee called Solomon that enjoys picking the pockets of unsuspecting visitors. Phantom music has been heard and disembodied footsteps heard traversing the floorboards throughout.
The word ponopticon means to see all so come with Paranormal Scotland Ltd as we take our curtain call to see all that the Britannia Ponoptican has to offer from beyond the veil.
THE EVENT
Join Paranormal Scotland Ltd as you investigate the whole building carrying out many activities to try and communicate with any spirits that may wander the building.
Seances
Use of paranormal investigation equipment
Experiments
Table tipping
Search for Paranormal Phenomena
Vigils
Free complimentary gift upon completion of the investigation.
Free souvenir photo
Refreshments included
And much more
Over 18s Only
11/10/2025
9:30 PM - 02:30 AM
www.paranormal-scotland.co.uk
You may also like the following events from Paranormal Scotland Ltd:
- This June, 28th June, 11:45 am, South Bridge Vaults Paranormal Investigation 28/06/2025, 11:45 - 06:00 - £50 in Edinburgh
- This July, 26th July, 11:45 am, South Bridge Vaults Paranormal Investigation 26/07/2025, 11:45 - 06:00 - £50 in Edinburgh
- This October, 18th October, 09:30 pm, The Pearce Institute in Glasgow
Also check out other
Entertainment events in Glasgow,
Workshops in Glasgow,
Performances in Glasgow.
