This photograph shows the Theatre Royal built circa 1811-1813 in a neo-classical design by John Foulston. The theatre was designed to be fireproof with thick wall separating the auditorium from the foyer and the adjacent hotel. In addition, the interior structure was built using cast iron rather than wood. Despite this, the theatre was badly fire damaged internally in June 1878. After repairs it reopened in 1879. By the 1930s theatre going had declined due mainly to the rise in popularity of the cinema. This photograph shows the theatre awaiting demolition in circa 1937.
This is part of the Series: RCH01/006 Red Box Collection (Rchme); within the Collection: RCH01 Royal Commission On The Historical Monuments Of England (Rchme) Archive
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Photographer: Judge, J J
Georgian Theatre, Demolition