This was sent in by Paul Evans from Liverpool.

Comic Christmas Pantomime - performed on Monday 23rd December 1878

My wife's great grandfather John Ross was a Liverpool man - born in the Kirkdale district - and after a career which took him to the Covent Garden theatre in London and the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, he became musical director at the Alexandra Theatre - forerunner to The Empire Theatre on Lime Street.

The school of music was originated by John Ross - but where was it situated?

When John Ross retired as musical director, he devoted himself to musical tuition and was proprietor of the Liverpool School of Music est.1880

This is a picture of the have the copper plate from the front door of the premises (we still have the original) although we don't know where in the city it was located!

From his time at the Alexandra, we now have a copy of the cover of a programme dated 23rd December 1878 for a "new and original comic Christmas pantomime ( to be performed at the theatre ) entitled Robinson Crusoe - or Friday and his funny family " - the programme cost one penny; the original is in the Museum of Liverpool Life at the Albert Dock.

John Ross was musical director for this production and a copy was made for me a couple of years ago to complement research I had done into this prominent local Victorian musician - we have several photos of John Ross and his family ; all the boys were distinguished musicians; one became a celebrated performer throughout Europe, another was a favourite pupil of Joachim.

John Ross's obituary appeared in the Liverpool Courier on Tuesday 23rd November 1897 - where he was refered to as a 'Composer of no small merit'

There is also a copy of an obituary notice ( researched through Liverpool Central Library archives ) which appeared in the Liverpool Courier at the time of his death in November 1897.

It speaks highly of John Ross and his musicianship, mentioning his links with the Alexandra Theatre specifically and the "most brilliant pantomimes that have ever been produced in the provinces".

One of our treasured heirlooms is an illuminated address presented to John Ross in April 1885-signed by his friends and admirers in appreciation of his talent ( this testimonial was also mentioned in the obituary notice ).The testimonial reads:

To John Ross Esq,

Dear Sir, In asking your acceptance of this illuminated address our desire is to place in your hands a permanent record of the esteem in which we hold you personally and the admiration with which we regard the talents that have raised you to a high position in the Art of Music. We are happy in the belief that the feelings to which we now give expression are shared by the Public of Liverpool.
We are, yours very faithfully....
( signed by 25 people )
Dated April 15th 1885.