The Theatre Royal is a theatre in Norwich, Norfolk, England. 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. Stephen Crocker was appointed chief executive around 2016.

History

The theatre was founded in 1758 by Norwich architect and investor Thomas Ivory, modelled on the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The building was capable of housing a maximum audience of one thousand in 1758. It was granted the title "Theatre Royal" by the Norwich Theatre Act 1768 (8 Geo. 3. c. 28), with rights to perform all drama. The Theatre Royal was rebuilt by William Wilkins in 1800 and again in 1826. Gas replaced candles and oil lamps in 1836. 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.

The "Theatre Royal" status attracted stars of the day to perform at the theatre. Sarah Siddons (1755–1831) performed the role of Hamlet, Juliet, and Lady Macbeth. African American Shakespearean actor Ira Aldridge performed at the theatre in January 1848.

The theatre owner's death in 1902 led to its auction. 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 20th century, actors such as Cary Grant, and Charlie Chaplin (with Fred Karno) performed on the boards.

The theatre burnt down in 1934 and just over a year later its successor was revealed. In November Harry Lauder made his first visit to Norwich in 1935.

The building 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 performances.

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.[when?]

See also

Notes

Further reading

  • The Norwich Theatre Royal: The First 250 Years (2007) Michael P. Blackwell, Carole A. Blackwell. Connaught Books
  • New Theatre Royal Norwich : its past history and present story (1950) E.C. Le Grice. Soman-Wherry Press

External links

52°37′38″N 1°17′26″E/52.627183°N 1.290520°E/ 52.627183; 1.290520