Theatre (Newmarket)

• Theatre ID
  2113
• Built / Converted
  1825
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  converted to other use (Shop)
• Address
  High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, England

Details

The Fisher Circuit made use of a cockpit in Newmarket in 1823. Having acquired the land, they built a theatre on the site soon after. The earliest documentary references to the new building appear to be of 1825 and 1829. Theatre use ceased in 1848. The theatre had become a public hall by 1863, and was later known as the Town Hall. Whether this change involved works of total reconstruction or major elaboration is not known, but the hall remained in use for a variety of public events. In 1907, while in use by Gaumont for a film show, the unenclosed projector was accidentally upset. The lime light ignited the celluloid film, leading to panic in which 300 people were injured and three died of burns. This was one of the several tragedies which led to the passing of the Cinematograph Act of 1909. As seen now, the building is stucco-faced (originally brick with stucco or stone quoins and dressings). The façe to the street takes the form of a broad canted bay extending across the whole front. Semi-circular arched windows at first floor above a modern shop front. An upper floor has been inserted, supported by a spiral staircase. There is no external or internal evidence of theatre use.

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• Other names
  by Public Hall, by Town Hall
• Events
  • 1825 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1825 Owner/Management: Fisher Circuit
• Capacities
  • Later: 1907: 700-800
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed