z heritage theatretimeline


11th October 1819 Opened by William Wilkins, who was also responsible for the National Gallery in London and Downing College, Cambridge. He thus became architect, builder, owner, and proprietor of the Theatre Royal.


February 1892 World premiere of Charley’s Aunt staged. Apart from being one of the most celebrated plays of its time, it was unique in opening in the provinces before transferring to London, when the opposite was the accepted norm.


1903 Theatre Royal closed.


1906 Theatre reopened following alterations by architect Bertie Crewe.


1920 Freehold purchased by Greene King Brewers.


1925 The popularity of two cinemas in the town forced the closure of the theatre. Owning the site, Greene King used it as a barrel store for the next 40 years.


resources at their disposal. Hats off to the passionate, local enthusiasts, then. I have a particular memory of the Theatre Royal to share. I took a guided tour which was conducted by a delightful gentleman by the name of Ambrose. At one juncture he took us up to the Gods, the part of the auditorium high up at the back, the cheapest seats in the House – and it was utterly terrifying. I was clinging on to the rails. He left us there, and went down to stand in the exact centre of the Proscenium, where he spoke in a whisper; we could hear every word even though he was more than 150‘


“He left us and went down to stand in the exact centre of the Proscenium, where he spoke in a whisper; we could hear every word even though he was 150 feet away.”


Thomas Pickles and Robert Gill in Sign of the Times


1965 First renovation: After six years of restoration funded by local donations and driven by the enthusiasm of Air Vice Marshall Stanley Vincent, Martin and Jean Corke and others, it reopened.


1975 Theatre Royal acquired by the National Trust.


2005-07 Second renovation: Theatre is restored to its Regency configuration and decorative scheme at a cost of £5.3 million, funded by the National Trust, local donations, and from celebrity performances.


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