Shelley

• Theatre ID
  546
• Built / Converted
  1866
• Dates of use
  • 1850 - 1918
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Private theatre/lecture room)
• Address
  Boscombe Manor, Beechwood Avenue, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, England

Details

One of two private theatres built by Sir Percy Florence Shelley, son of the poet. The other, behind his town house in Tite Street, Chelsea was demolished many years ago. Sir Percy carried out major building and alteration works at Boscombe Manor between about 1850 and 1879. Around 1850, he built a temporary theatre in the garden and this was replaced in 1866 by the present room. His favourite pastimes were theatricals and painting and he doubtless had a hand in the detailed design and decoration of the theatre. Descriptions of the scenes for various productions make it apparent that an ambitious standard was achieved. Much of the scenic painting and musical composition was carried out by Sir Percy himself. Nearly all private theatres were built with flat floors so that they could double as ballrooms or grand dining rooms. Once a wonderfully colourful room whose walls were lined with mural paintings. Now absent these are said to have been removed for safe keeping during the Second World War, but no evidence has yet been found to confirm this. The raked stage had wood machinery, but this was destroyed in later years to make space for a boiler room. An ‘archaeological’ investigation of the floor structure is needed to establish its nature so that it can be properly restored if the opportunity arises. The proscenium arch is now blocked and the swagged pelmet and tabs as well as the painted act drop representing Poole Harbour are lost. An interesting curiosity is a window in the rear wall from a bedroom on the other side, from which, it was said, Lady Jane Shelley could enjoy the presentations in privacy and comfort. Even in its altered condition, the Shelley remains a valuable example of a mid-Victorian private theatre which would merit restoration and more appropriate use.

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• Events
  • 1850 - 1918 Use:
  • 1866 Design/Construction: with Sir Percy Florence Shelley
    • possibly Joseph Peacock - Architect
  • 1866 Design/Construction:
    • Tucker of Drury Lane - Consultant: Stage Carpenter
  • 1849 Owner/Management: Sir Percy Florence Shelley, owner
  • 1918 Owner/Management: Local Authority
  • 1982 Owner/Management: Pre Dorset County Council
• Capacities
  • Original: 200
  • Current: c.200
• Listings
  • Grade II - Listed 1999
• Stage type
  • Rake
• Dimensions
  • Orchestra pit: None