Theatre Royal, Exeter
The name Theatre Royal was first applied in Exeter by the mid-1830s to what had previously been the Bedford Circus Theatre, in premises dating from 1821. This theatre building was a replacement for one of 1787 which had burnt down the previous year. In 1869 the lease was taken by Frederick Neebe.[2] This building was completely gutted in 1885 with no casualties.
The Theatre Royal was situated at the junction of Longbrook Street, Exeter and New North Road, Exeter
1886 May 12th. Foundation stone laid by the Mayor. On the stone appeared the following description:- This stone was laid on the 12th May, 1886, by the Right Worshipful Mayor (R. R. M. Daw). W. H. Ellis (chairman) E. J. Domville (vice-chairman), C. J. Phipps, F.S.A. (architect), Seth Bevan (builder)." Long description of the planned building given.[3] The new theatre was built by the Exeter Theatre Co
1886 October 13th. Opening of new theatre decorated in Italian renaissance style; Works supervised by Edward Bell of London; Mouldings by G. Steere of Salcombe; Dress circle to patent of Mr. Phipps; Lighting by Strode and Co; Box fronts and proscenium by Jacksons of London; General contractor was S. Bevan of Plymouth; Rules and regulations by Exeter Magistrates ensure passageways of three feet; [4]
1887 Manager and Lessee is Sidney Herberte-Basing.[5]
1887 September 05th. An audience of more than 800 was present for the opening night of 'Romany Rye' at the Theatre Royal in Exeter. During the fourth Act a fire started on stage and the theatre was on fire very quickly. The death toll was said to be around 188 persons leaving 84 orphans and 20 widows. The exact number of casualties is unknown as many bodies were not recovered. See also Theatre Royal, Exeter: 1887 Fire Deaths
1887 September 07th. Burial of 46 victims in fourteen coffins at Higher Cemetery, Exeter. Other burials were carried out the following day (Thursday) with 78 bodies being identified and include two visitors from Essex.[6]
1887 September 17th. Inquest report. Donald Cameron the city surveyor and Bombardier F. Scattergood mentioned.[7]
1887 September 21st. Inquest before Mr Coroner Hooper and 24 jurists returns verdict of accidental death on victims and censures the Magistrates and the architect (Mr. Phipps) for having failed in their duty.[8]
1887 November 16th. Captain Eyre Massey Shaw, the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, reports on the fire and finds numerous faults with the building.[9]
1889 Frederick Pollard, hon. sec.[10]
1889 October 07th. Re-built and opened. The new building had lighting by electricity and a safety curtain. Architect was Alfred Darbyshire and F. Bennett Smith. Built by W. Dart of Crediton.[11][12]
1919 Prop: Exeter Theatre Co; John P. G. Davey, Sec.[13]
1939 Prop: Exeter Theatre Co; Percy M. Dunsford, General manager.[14]
1955 Prop: Exeter Theatre Co; T. C. Gwilliam is MD.
1962 The Theatre Royal was closed and demolished to be replaced by an office block.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Monday 05 September 1887
- ↑ The Stage - Thursday 25 January 2001
- ↑ Western Times - Friday 14 May 1886
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Wednesday 13 October 1886
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Monday 05 September 1887
- ↑ Essex Standard - Saturday 10 September 1887
- ↑ Nottinghamshire Guardian - Saturday 17 September 1887
- ↑ Falkirk Herald - Saturday 24 September 1887
- ↑ Globe - Wednesday 16 November 1887
- ↑ 1889 Kelly's Directory of Devon: Exeter: Roads
- ↑ The Era - Saturday 05 October 1889
- ↑ Western Times - Friday 04 October 1889
- ↑ 1919 Kelly's Directory of Devonshire: Exeter: Roads
- ↑ 1939 Kelly's Directory of Devonshire: Exeter: Roads