Theatre

Situated at the rear of the Union Hotel, but a separate structure, constructed of rubble with a slated pitched roof and gabled ends. Overall external dimensions 18.58m x 9.44m (61ft x 31ft). The ground level slopes steeply away along one side and the space under the theatre was used as part of the hotel stables. It now houses cars rather than horses, and wide openings have been formed in the side wall. The theatre was entered through a gabled elevation facing a narrow alley. Simply framed double doors in the centre, and a single door to the right. Although much altered and sub-divided internally there are still vestiges of the original use e.g. remains of a gallery now encased, possibly a refixed proscenium door etc. Closed as a theatre in 1831 and dismantled in 1839. Further investigation is necessary to uncover every scrap of evidence to discover sufficient evidence for a complete restoration of this Georgian playhouse, an increasingly rare type of theatre following the regrettable demolitions at Dorchester and Newbury. A study was made in 1989 but no action followed.