Douglas Reeve was one of Britain's premier organists during his career as a theatre organist, spanning some 60 years. Born in Brighton, he was very much a child prodigy, having learned to play the organ at St George's Church, Kemp Town, at an early age. At 14, he became a pupil of Terance Casey at the Regent Cinema in Brighton before moving to London.
Returning to Brighton in 1941, Douglas played the organ at the Dome for five years when the theatre was a dance hall. In 1946, he introduced the first of his famous Tuesday At The Dome variety shows, which endured for the next 30 years. He also made hundreds of broadcasts and many records.
The refurbishment of the Dome is due for completion in the spring, with the theatre organ undergoing a major re-build to bring it back to its original condition when first installed in 1935.
How nice it would be if Douglas Reeves's great Tuesday night shows could be revived, as the theatre organ is still as popular as ever.
-Michael Parker, Lewes Road, Brighton
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