Royal (ii)

• Theatre ID
  619
• Built / Converted
  1880
• Dates of use
  • 1902 - 1957
  • 1880 - 1902: First building on site
• Current state
  Demolished
• Current use
  demolished
• Address
  Mount Pleasant, Bilston, West Midlands, England

Details

In 1880 this was a red brick building with what was said to be the largest pit in England. Single balcony(?). Contemporary press implies that the Royal (i) in Market Place (q.v.) had been closed some time prior to this opening. Closed in 1902 and replaced by a new ‘Italian style’ theatre, whose frontage was 12ft wider than the previous building, and had a first floor verandah of iron and glass bearing the theatre name and the royal coat of arms. Auditorium in three tiers with four private boxes at dress circle level. In 1910 the theatre became the Royal and Hippodrome, operating as a cinéariety house. Reverted to live theatre use in 1936, and finally closed in 1957. Demolished in 1961.

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• Other names
  Theatre Royal, Royal & Hippodrome, Theatre Royal
• Events
  • 1902 - 1957 Use:
  • 1880 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1896 Alteration: bars enlarged
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1900 Alteration: new air vents installed
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1902 Alteration: new building
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1906 Alteration: redecorated, new electrical installation to stage
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1926 Alteration: minor alterations
    • Scott & Clark (Wednesbury) - Architect
  • 1880 Owner/Management: Walter Edwin, proprietor
  • 1892 - 1894 Owner/Management: Edward Richard Darbey, proprietor
  • 1894 - 1896 Owner/Management: William P Clarke & F J Hibell
  • 1896 - 1902 Owner/Management: Harry Battersby, Lessee & Manager
  • 1898 - 1902 Owner/Management: Bent’s Breweries, Owners
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Edwin C Jazon, proprietor
  • 1936 - 1957 Owner/Management: Astel Pictures Ltd, lessees
  • 1880 - 1902 Use: First building on site
• Capacities
  • Original: c.1700
  • Later: 1902: 1400 1946: 712 (+100 standing)
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Dimensions
  • Building dimensions: 1880: 120x40x30ft high
  • Stage dimensions: 1902 Depth: 30ft Width: 56ft
  • Proscenium width: 1880: 25ft x 22ft 1902: 26x20ft high
  • Height to grid: 1902: 40ft 26 lines
  • Orchestra pit: 1902: 10
• Unreliable anecdotes
  Built on site of Oxford Music Hall