The Theatre Royal (Stockport) (1869 - 1958)
Dates
- Existence: 1868 - 1958
Biography
The Theatre Royal, was located in St Petersgate Stockport, Cheshire. The building was originally home to a Temperance Hall and later turned into a music hall by Edward Lyons and Mr. Seddon. In 1869 the building was acquired by William John Revill, who converted it into a variety theatre called the People's Opera House.
The People's Opera House was operated until 25 August 1887 when it was destroyed by a devastating fire. The remnants of the building were demolished the following year to make way for a new theatre of variety designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham. The Theatre opened as the Theatre Royal on 4 June 1888. For over 70 years the theatre presented a programme of variety shows, moving pictures, pantomimes, musicals and plays. The Theatre Royal closed in 1958 suffering from the endemic decline of the theatre sector due to the advent of television and the popularity of cinemas that followed the Second World War. Three years later it was sold already in a state of semi ruin after being destroyed by fire once again in 1960. The building was demolished soon after, leaving only the historic façade standing until 1968 when it was also demolished.
Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:
Handby Celeine Collection
Posters, photographs, programmes, 1 piece of sheet music for six instruments and a small amount of business records and correspondence relating to the dancing and burlesque comedy on skates.
Programmes, c1932 - 1936
British theatre programmes presenting Handby Celeine acts among others.
Theatre Royal Programme, Commencing Saturday 23 December c1933
Stockport. Frank H. Fortesque’s comic pantomime Cinderella with Wal Butler, Nita Deane, Payne and Brown, Jack Meadows, The Handby Celeine Trio, Charlie O’Brien, Edna Clarke, The 8 Wonder Kinds, Elsie Winter, The 12 Sparklets and Zoe Belmont. Bleu type on white background with diamond shapes borders. Printed by Moody Bros. Ltd, Printers, 34 Livery Street, Birmingham 3, 2p.p.