The Theatre Royal is a theatre in

Norwich Norwich () is a cathedral city and district of the county of Norfolk, England, of which it is the county town. It lies by the River Wensum, about north-east of London, north of Ipswich and east of Peterborough. The population of the Norwich ...

England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...

. It is one of the country's oldest established theatres, founded in 1758. It was rebuilt in 1801 and 1826. It burnt down in 1934 and was bombed during World War II. Peter Wilson ran the theatre between 1992 and 2016. It is now run by Stephen Crocker.

History

The theatre was founded in 1758 by Norwich architect and investor Thomas Ivory, modelled on the

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, commonly known as Drury Lane, is a West End theatre and listed building, Grade I listed building in Covent Garden, London, England. The building faces Catherine Street (earlier named Bridges or Brydges Street) an ...

. The building was capable of housing a maximum audience of one thousand in 1758. It was granted the title "Theatre Royal" in 1768, with rights to perform all drama. The Theatre Royal was rebuilt by William Wilkins in 1800 and again in 1826. The theatre announced its opening: "NEW THEATRE ROYAL, Will Open on EASTER MONDAY, March 27th on which occasion the RECEIPTS will be given in AID the SUBSCRIPTION for the RELIEF the UNEMPLOYED POOR. Previous the Plan, GOD SAVE THE KING BY THE WHOLE COMPANY. After which Sheridan's Comedy ''THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL''. To conclude with the Musical Farce of ''YOUTH, LOVE, & FOLLY Or, The FEMALE JOCKEY''. ''Norfolk Chronicle'' Gas replaced candles and oil lamps in 1836."The history of Norwich's Theatre Royal in Norfolk"
''Eastern Daily Press'', 26 February 2023 In 1894 the theatre was closed for several months in order to carry out a scheme of reconstruction and redecoration from the designs of

Frank Matcham Francis Matcham (22 November 1854 – 17 May 1920)Mackintosh, Iain"Matcham, Frank" ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, accessed 7 July 2019 was an English architect who specialised in the design of theatres and ...

. The "Theatre Royal" status attracted stars of the day to perform at the theatre.

Sarah Siddons Sarah Siddons (''née'' Kemble; 5 July 1755 – 8 June 1831) was a Welsh actress, the best-known Tragedy, tragedienne of the 18th century. Contemporaneous critic William Hazlitt dubbed Siddons as "tragedy personified". She was the elder siste ...

(1755–1831) performed the role of

Hamlet ''The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark'', often shortened to ''Hamlet'' (), is a Shakespearean tragedy, tragedy written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1599 and 1601. It is Shakespeare's longest play. Set in Denmark, the play (the ...

, Juliet, and

Lady Macbeth Lady Macbeth is a leading character in William Shakespeare's tragedy ''Macbeth'' (). As the wife of the play's tragic hero, Macbeth (a Scottish nobleman), Lady Macbeth goads her husband into committing regicide, after which she becomes quee ...

. African American Shakespearean actor

Ira Aldridge Ira Frederick Aldridge (July 24, 1807 – August 7, 1867) was an American-born British actor, playwright, and theatre manager, known for his portrayal of William Shakespeare, Shakespearean characters. James Hewlett (actor), James Hewlett and Ald ...

performed at the theatre in January 1848."Sarah Siddons visits the Norwich Theatre Royal"
BBC 2016 The theatre owner's death in 1902 led to its auction.The Theatre Royal, Norwich, was put up for sale by auction on Wednesday at the Royal Hotel. Among those present were Messrs Fred Morgan (lessee), W. G. R. Sprague, J. W. Nightingale, Colonels Hill and Wood, Messrs George Gilbert, John Rout, C. Burn Boswell, and Harry Howlett. The biddings started at £3,000 and ran up to £4,800, at which sum the property was withdrawn, the auctioneer remarking that there was not much difference in the amount offered and the reserve bid. Lot 2, Mr Morgan’s lease, was withdrawn." ''The Era'' The theatre burnt down in 1934 and just over a year after its successor was revealed."NORWICH THEATRE Worthy Successor to the “Old Royal" FIFTEEN months ago the century-old Theatre Royal at Norwich was destroyed by fire, and while the ruins were smouldering Jack Gladwin commissioned his architect to prepare the plans for a new theatre. From the ashes of the old theatre has arisen so palatial a building that the sentimental regrets at the passing of the old are more than balanced by the great advantages of the new. Exteriorly, the new theatre is a handsome structure and a notable addition to a city possessing many architectural features. It is loftier and of far greater proportions than the old building, and of much greater seating capacity. The frontage, which will be floodlit, has the appearance of pale grey marble. The interior decorative scheme very modern and very attractive, and enhanced by the soft glow from concealed lighting. The large stage is equipped with every modern improvement. All the latest scene-shifting machinery is installed, and the dressing-rooms are planned to accommodate large companies. Norwich can now put on the biggest shows on the road. It will be opened on Monday by the Lord Mayor of the city (Percy Jewson)." ''The Era'' In November

Harry Lauder Sir Henry Lauder (; 4 August 1870 – 26 February 1950)Russell, Dave"Lauder, Sir Henry (1870–1950)" ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'', Oxford University Press, 2004, online edition, January 2011, accessed 27 April 2014 was a S ...

made his first visit to Norwich in 1935. In 1903 owner Fred Morgan sold the property to Mr Bostock and Mr Fitt and it was given the name Hippodrome for a year. In 1904 it was renamed at the Theatre Royal. In the twentieth century, actors such as

Cary Grant Cary Grant (born Archibald Alec Leach; January 18, 1904November 29, 1986) was an English and American actor. Known for his blended British and American accent, debonair demeanor, lighthearted approach to acting, and sense of comic timing, he ...

, and

Charlie Chaplin Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (16 April 188925 December 1977) was an English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer who rose to fame in the era of silent film. He became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, the Tramp, and is considered o ...

(with Fred Karno) performed on the boards. The building was destroyed by fire in 1934 and was bombed during World War Two. Audience numbers dwindled with the advent of cinema and then television. The theatre began showing films and boxing matches and later rock and roll shows. The theatre was threatened with closure and the city council gathered a rescue package. In 1970 Dick Condon became the manager. Following his death Peter Wilson ran the theatre between 1992 and 2016. The theatre had a major refurbishment in 2007. Stephen Crocker, a former deputy CEO of The Lowry theatre followed as the Chief Executive.

References

Notes

External links

Theatre Royal, Norwich
{{Coord, 52.627183, 1.290520, display=t, type:landmark Theatres in Norwich

History

See also

References

Notes

Further reading

External links