"....Tonight our city leads.
All you who care for her fair fame in England keep it fair, make this foundation firm:
work till it be part of her praise on men's lips over sea, that when they name her they will say of her
"Famous for ships and this her theatre"
Written by John Masefield for the opening of the Liverpool Repertory Theatre and spoken as a prologue to the first performance
 
Contribute to this Project
If anyone has any theatre snippets, theatre photos, old programmes or newspaper notices they would like to contribute
please contact me and your name will be added as a contributor
I started these pages on June 20th 2005 so this will grow as I add more and it is still 'under construction'. Lots more to add yet
In most cases images can be clicked to reveal larger image
 
 
 
The Cockpit yard theatre Moor st Liverpool was thought to be Liverpool's first theatre, ordered by the council in 1567 and later used for theatrical entertainments. Actors in those days could be deported as 'undesirables' and many perfomed in old cockpits, or the Inns along Dale st and Water st.
The first real theatre was opened in 1740 in the Old Ropery opposite the end of Drury lane by Alderman Thomas Steers, the engineer of Liverpool's first dock and Mayor in 1739 but it wasn't big enough for Liverpool's growing population so a second theatre was built near the old theatre and a new street in front of it was called Drury lane after the famous street in London. Messrs Gibson and Ridout were the joint managers and main actors. The Drury Lane Theatre was a plain brick building . It had a pit (two shillings) and galllery ( one shilling) - no boxes and no dressing rooms for the players, it was reconstructed in 1758-9 with boxes around the pit. The box charge was 3s, this theatre carried on for approx twenty three years until the opening of the Theatre Royal

Painting of the Theatre Royal by James Winston early 1800's
The Theatre Royal opened on the 5th of June 1772 in 8 Williamson Square with the 'Tragedy of Mahomet' . In 1768 Mr Gibson of the Drury lane theatre lobbied for a Theatre Royal in Liverpool. The House of Lords at first refused his request but later changed their minds and he was granted Letters patent in 1771 for twenty one years. Mr Gibson died not long afterwards and his mistress Mrs Bennett inherited it. She rented the theatre to two Liverpool theatre managers, Joseph Younger and George Mattocks. Sir William Chambers designed the theatre. After the death of Joseph Younger in 1784 and Mattocks retirement, George Case took up the lease and Frances Aitkin became the manager. There were serious riots at the Theatre Royal in 1820 & 1824. In the Gore's Directory of Liverpool 1827 Francis Banks is listed as manager of the Theatre, John Kenrick is box book keeper. Peter Lloyd is listed as 'Prompter'
From 'Picture of Liverpool: Strangers Guide 1834'
The Theatre Royal.....This edifice is situate in Williamson's square, and was erected in the year 1772, by private subscription, at an expense of £6000, which sum was raised by thirty individuals. The front is semicircular, and of stone, decorated with the king's arms and several emblematic figures exectuted in bas relief. The interior is well constructed for hearing, is commodiously fitted up, and tastefully ornamented. A superb glass chandelier is suspended from the centre of the ceiling, and brilliantly illuminated by a great number of gas burners. The theatre was enlarged in the year 1803. It is usually open from May until December, and has in general an able company of perfomers The theatre became notorious for the rowdy and bad behaviour of it's audiences although many famous actors and actresses and notable people made appearances there including Charles Dickens in 1847 and later in 1869
Many of the actors and actresses were from London theatres such as Drury lane and the Theatre Royal's of Covent Garden and Haymarket including Edmund Kean, McReady, the famous Sarah Siddons, George Frederick Cooke who berated the assembled Liverpool gentry at the theatre for their involvement with the slave trade; most of the Kemble family performed at the Theatre Royal Liverpool. John Palmer died on stage while performing in 'The Stranger' in 1798. Julius Brutus Booth another actor and local favourite sailed from Liverpool to America in 1821 and his younger son John Wilkes assassinated Abraham Lincoln
Local newspapers and theatrical periodicals were openly critical of the theatre and it's management (see Porcupine article below on this page)and by 1884 the theatre was struggling and became a circus for a short period but a year later the theatre went out of commission. Used as a cold storage depot. Demolished in 1965.
Click to see: Theatre Royal Newspaper Notices
Click to see: Theatre Royal Newspaper snippets, reviews etc

 
 
Liverpool Mercury 1820
1805 Olympic Circus opened in Christian street. This had succeeded the Philip Astley's circus established at Christian street in 1789
and seemed to be a venue for a lot of equestrian events. In 1824 a sewer burst and expensive alterations were needed. After an argument over liability between the proprietors and John Cook, proprietor of the circus Cooke decided to build an establishment of his own and bought land at Great Charlotte street, and Roe street. He named it the New Olympic Circus. This later became successively the Royal Ampitheatre and the Royal Court (see below). In 1831 the place was rebuilt and renamed the Queen's Theatre. After various changes it was renamed The Victoria in 1843. Then in 1846 W. J Hammond, formerly of the Liver Theatre Church street and the Theatre Royal rebuilt the interior and reopened it as Theatre Royal Adelphi commonly known as the 'Delly'
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gore's advertiser
Festival of Music at the Music Hall 1794

Music Hall in Bold street.
More information needed please
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liverpool Mercury 1833
The Cookes Royal Amphitheatre of Arts a circus theatre had been built in 1825 and opened in the Spring of 1826 by Mr Cooke. Thousands of people would attend operas, plays, circus acts and concerts.
From 'Picture of Liverpool Strangers guide 1834'
The Amphitheatre...This is a spacious building of brick, with a stuccoed front, and is situate in Great Charlotte st. The first stone was laid on the 26th of November 1825, and the opening took place on the 27th January 1826. The interior is remarkably well arranged, and beautifully decorated. It is alloted to equestrian and pantomine performances, and is generally open during the winter and spring months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Liver Theatre In 1829 Messrs. Raymond and Hammond opened the Liver Theatre, in Church Street. In 1836 they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Hammond opened the Strand Theatre, London.
From 'Picture of Liverpool: Stranger's Guide 1834'
The Liver Theatre....This neat little theatre opened in Church street and dramatic pieces are exhibited here during the part of the year that the Theatre Royal is closed
Paganini appeared at the Liver theatre in 1833 during his tour of British theatres. (see newspaper notices below)
The theatre at 46 Church st later became a shop called 'The Liver Establishment' selling household goods and clothes owned by J Carmichael & Co .Today the premises is a Dorothy Perkins store
Click to see: 'Liver Establishment' ad from the Liverpool Mail 1851
Click to see: Liver Theatre Newspaper notices
 
 
 
Liverpool Mercury 1833
Holloway's Sans Pareil.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Photo by Dave Woods
Liverpool Pictorial
The Philarmonic Hall was opened in 1849 The first Philharmonic Hall, a fine stone-faced Italianate building, was destroyed by fire in 1933. Its replacement, which opened just before outbreak of the Second World War is a large building of warm grey-pink brick with a façade in the Dutch Dudok style. Mainly of three-storey height it has a symmetrical front flanked by semi-circular stair turrets. Above the canopied entrance are seven large vertical windows separated by piers topped by abstract emblems. Detached piers contain poster panels with rounded mounts.
The auditorium contains a continuous rising plane of seats broken at one level by a line of horseshoe boxes panelled in light wood, six each side ten at rear, and is backed by an end wall of sound-absorbent material. Above the balcony the suspended ceiling curves like a lobster back, narrowing to meet the resonant wall at the platform end.
The large concert stage, rounded in front has the provision of a disappearing proscenium and screen for projection driven by an electric motor (revolutionary in 1939 and still uncommon). The organ console, on a revolving base, rises the same way behind it between the conductor’s rostrum and the curves of seats for the choir. Owners & management Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society (information from Theatre Trust UK) It is now called the Royal Liverpool Philarmonic and is home of the world-famous Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The Philharmonic Hall also shows a host of alternative performances such as the Imperial Circus of China from Beijing, Harry Hill, The Temptations, Graham Norton, Bond, and our own daddy of the diddies, Ken Dodd.
 
 
 
 
 
In the 1850's Dr Thomas' Chapel in Bold Street opposite the Music Hall was converted to a small theatre called the Queen's Hall and Operatta House Later renamed The Bijouin 1880. Among the acts appearing there were Valentine Vousden in monologues, Christy's Minstrels, Mr and Mrs German Reed, and Corney Grain. In 1885 C Hayden Coffin first appeared playing a small part in a musical called "Prizes and Blanks", and the lead in a musical comedy called "Quid Pro Quo" with music by Wilfred Bendall. Coffin, an actor more well known in London theatres than Liverpool last appeared in Liverpool in a play called "The Damask Rose" with music adapted from Chopin. The "Two headed Nightingale also appeared at this theatre and sang duets with herself
 
 
 
 
 

The Royal Colosseum Theatre later renamed the Grand Theatre of varities was a building of brick and stone front in Paradise street, first erected in 1791 as a Unitarian Chapel and re-opened as a theatre in 1856 seating approx 3,000 people

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo & Programme supplied by Ron Formby Scottie Press
The Rotunda theatre at the junction of Scotland rd and Stanley rd was built in 1860 and was originally a public house where 'free and easy' entertainments were presented nightly The Proprietor Mr Dennis Gannell introduced plans for the re-siting of the entertainment on a more extensive upper floor where a larger stage was constructed at the Scotland Road end of the building. The largely musical fare was then supplemented by sketches. At the new entrance in Scotland Road the prices of admission were; boxes 1/6d, stalls 1/-, and pit 6d. After further reconstruction with the addition of a gallery, the establishment was opened as the Rotunda Theatre on 23rd November 1869 with a Grand Concert. Mr Charles Wood, for five years musical director at the Adelphi Theatre, Christian Street, came to the Rotunda on 1st August 1870 to take up the position of musical and stage director, and was associated with the theatre for over 25 years. in 1875, Mr James Kieran commenced as the check taker at the Rotunda for a salary of nine shillings per week, and after subsequent promotions was appointed to the position of assistant to Charles Wood. Plays at the old Rotunda came to and end on Saturday 7th July 1877 with The Shaughraun, the theatre was destroyed by fire early on the following Monday. Mr Grannell, wanted to rebuild and consulted an entertainment architect. From his plans the building contractors constructed a five storey building with principal elevations to Stanley Road and Scotland Road connected by a curved corner, surmounted by a dome at the end nearest Scotland Road. The grand opening of the new Rotunda Theatre took place on Friday 20th December 1878 The doors were opened at 7.00pm for the performance at 8.00pm of Sir Julius Benedict's Grand Romantic Opera The Lily of Killarney by the Carl Rosa Opera Company of distinguished artistes, and full orchestra conducted by Mr Carl Rosa. In March 1888 the theatre became one of the limited liability companies under the title Rotunda Theatre Ltd, of which the directorate included the Mayor of Bootle, then John Howard, Captain R.B. Bainbridge, Charles Wood and Dennis Grannell the former proprietor who sold the property to the company for the sum of £25,000 of which £5,000 in £1 shares was allotted to Mr Grannell in part payment of the purchase price, for which he transferred the theatre, the billiard room and the American style bowling alleys to the new syndicate.
In 1898, the theatre was acquired by Messrs. Bent's Brewery Co. Ltd, and Charles Wood, then Manager was succeeded by Matthew Montgomery. The interior was re-constructed in 1899 The re-opening on 4th September 1899 was with the play, The Fenian, performed by Hubert O'Grady and Company.
In 1903 Matthew Montgomery retired and was succeeded by his son Matthew, who continued to advance the reputation of the Rotunda as one of the leading centres of melodrama in the provinces. The policy of plays and a pantomime at Christmas was continued until 1917 during which time the repertoire was not entirely devoted to melodrama, since it included, Hamlet, Jim the Penman, Mary Queen of Scots, and East Lynne etc. Stage plays with motion pictures on the bioscope as an added attraction were presented between 1912 and 1917, when following the end of a special return visit of the pantomime Robinson Crusoe on 24th February, the change was made to revues and variety performances. The success of the theatre continued through the 20's & 30's. The Rotunda was destroyed during the Blitz of Liverpool on September 21st 1940 Information condensed from Rotunda Theatre archive on Scottie Press
 
 
 
 
The Prince of Wales Theatre Clayton Square was opened as a theatre in 1861 and was formerly the residence of a Mrs Clayton whose family gave it's name to the square. Could hold approx 1,600 people. Managing director Captain HH Wombwell
 
 
 
 
In 1862 The Porcupine newspaper printed the following:
"We have in liverpool four theatres and a circus, wretched buildings...a disgrace to us and totally unsuited to the purposes for which they are used.
What can be worse than the locales of the Theatre Royal and the Royal Ampitheatre? Every sense is offended as the visitor approaches them. The stenches from market refuse and close dank, reeking streets are even dangerous to health, while the sights and sounds are so offensive that hundreds of ladies are denied the pleasure of theatrical entertainments
The same may be said of the Adelphi Theatre, which few respectable ladies will visit , let the attractions be what they may.
What can be shabbier, meaner or more unsuitable for a large public building than the entrances to our two principal theatres. They are narrow, dirty and badly lighted. There is no proper provision for the care of external articles of clothing. No decent foyer, or refreshment saloon: Nothing in fact but narrow, cheerless ill-lit lobbies, paltry rooms and draughty staircases
At the Theatre Royal the chairs in the dress circle are hard and far too small, and the sitting room in other parts of the house as beggarless and comfortless as possible. At the Ampitheatre matters are even worse. The ventilation is wretched, in summer the ardent playgoer is parboiled, while in winter the icy air from both stage and lobbies is enough to freeze even a polar bear
Behind the curtain matters are even worse. The stages above and below, are encumbered with useless antiquated machinery: the dressing rooms are the veriest dog-holes, while the whole place - dangerous from abscence of light is pervaded by noiseome smells. That the musicians whose wretched fate it is to sit in the orchestras- are ever free from colds and rheumatism speaks wonders for the acclimatising powers of human nature
 
 
 
 
 
The Playhouse Theatre Williamson Square is the oldest Repertory theatre in the UK it was opened in 1865. Built on the site of the Star Concert Hall, which had been purchased by David Lazarus with the intention of building a new music hall, and today the only surviving working theatre in Merseyside from the Victorian era.
Owners and management 1866: Messrs Ambrose, Isaac Fineberg & David Lazarus, owners, 1872: Messrs Ambrose, Isaac Fineberg & Noah Lees, owners Later: Messrs Ambrose, Harris Fineberg & Noah Lees, owners 1895: Liverpool Palace of Varieties Ltd, owner 1898: Harris Fineberg, owner 1911: Liverpool Repertory Co 1942-46: Old Vic Co, Lessee Laterly: Local Authority, owners (information from Theatre Trust UK)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Empire theatre opened in Lime st in 1866 and was initially the Prince of Wales Theatre and Opera house, in 1867 it became the Royal Alexandra Theatre and Opera house in honour of the then Princess of Wales After closing in 1894, the theatre re-opened in 1895 under the ownership of Empire Theatre Ltd but it still retained the name of the Alexandra. In 1886 the theatre was sold to Moss & Thornton and re-opened in 1896 under the Empire Theatre name. The Empire theatre closed in 1924 and a new theatre was built on the same site and re-opened in 1925. Many famous artistes have performed at the Empire Theatre including Vesta Tilley, Marie Lloyd, Mae West (see below), George Formby, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and The Beatles to name but a few.
On December 7, 1963, the Beatles filmed two shows for the BBC, an edition of Juke Box Jury (which they hosted); and a live concert special called "It's The Beatles." These shows were shot back to back in their hometown of Liverpool in the Empire Theatre in front of fans from their local fan club
. Click to see an important historic archive of the Beatles at the Liverpool Empire

The Beatles also performed at the Empire theatre in 1963 in front of the Queen in a Royal Command performance. On the 5th of December 1965 the Beatles gave their final performance in Liverpool in the Empire Theatre.


Liverpool Empire today
Photo by Dave Woods
Liverpool Pictorial

 
 
Click to see Liverpool Empire Theatre Programmes
Includes Mae West as 'Diamond Lil', George Formby and more to come
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Shakespeare theatre opened in Fraser st 1888 by The proprieter Mr Ellis Brammall jun. and was built by J H Havelock-Sutton who also built the Park Palace Music Hallin 1893 and the Metropole Theatre in Bootle in 1911, both the Metropole and the Park Palace have since been demolished
A description of The Shakespeare Theatre From Kelly's Directory of Liverpool 1894 reads ...it is lighted throughout by Electric light .The ventilatio both behind and before the curtain is of the most improved type and during the winter months the theatre is heated by hot water. The foyer is lined and panelled with Dantric oak each panel being beautifully carved and representing scenes and characters from Shakespeare's plays. Special attention has been paid to the prevention of fire, concrete being largely used for the contruction of the theatre and over the stage are two large water mains called 'sprinklers' The stage is separated from the auditorium by a patent asbestos and iron fire proof curtain wieghing five tons and by iron doors. The theatre is estimated to hold 3,500 persons
Information from a theatre programe circa 1925
Sole lessee W.W. Kelly, Acting manager J. H Tomkinson. Popular prices of admission... Gallery 4d, Early door 6d, No tax, Upper Circle 1s 3d, tax 3d, 1s 6d, Early Door 1s 3d, Tax 4d, 2s, Pit Stalls 3d, Tax 6d, 3s 6d, Orchestra Stalls and Dress Cirlce 3s 6d, Tax 9d, 4s 3d, Private Boxes (to hold four) £1 1s, Tax 4s, £1 5s, Single seats 5s 6d, Tax 1s, 6s 6d, Box Office open all day from 9 a.m - 9 pm North Branch Booking Offices:- Rushworth and Dreaper, Basnett street, Also Ashton & Mitchell, Midland Adelphi Hotel, Crane's Hanover street, London & Liverpool Pianoforte Co, Granby street, Smith's Lord street
Piano's supplied by Messrs Crane & Sons, Hanover street.

Sam Wannamaker the Film director was appointed director of the New Shakespeare Theatre in 1957, Fraser Street Liverpool, and Served as artistic director till 1959.

 

 
 
Charlie Chaplin 1940's: donated by Paul Christian
Pigalle Theatre Fraser street
More information needed please...Was the Shakespeare Theatre renamed the 'Pigalle' at some point, if so when?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Park Palace of Varities Mill street Toxteth Park opened in 1893 at a cost of £5,000
A description from Kelly's Directory 1894 ....is an edifice of brick with an imposing front panelled red bricks and terracotta. A large sunlight hangs from the ceiling. The building is supplied with ample entrances and exits and is ventilated to the latest principles: there is also every facility for the extinguishing of fire. Proprieter and Manager J S Childs
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 1881 as ownership of the Ampitheatre changed, it was rebuilt and renamed The Royal Court Theatre. The Royal Court theatre was destroyed by fire in 1933 and rebuilt in the Art Deco Style and re-opened in 1938. The theatre went through bankruptcy and a closure period in the 1970's. In 1981 the theatre had a flood that damaged the heating system and through lack of funds, despite several fund raising efforts by Ken Dodd Liverpool's famous comedian from Knotty Ash the theatre was scheduled for demolition until eventually it was listed as a Grade II listed building in 1990 and saved
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Theatre Royal Palace of Varieties Breck rd Anfield was built in 1891: Architect W Redman. Converted to a cinema and renamed Super Royal Cinema in 1920. Recent use as a Bingo hall
Owners & management 1888: Thomas Montgomery, owner 1920: W Gordon’s Circuit, 1932: Regent Circuit Ltd, 1933: Regent Enterprise Ltd, owner, 1938: Southan Morris Associated Cinemas Ltd, 1954: Essoldo (information from Theatre Trust UK)
 
 
 
 
 
In 1896 James Kiernan's Tivoli Palace was built and ten years later rebuilt as the new Tivoli Palace of Varieties, later it became the Palais De Luxe Cinema
 
 
 
 
 
The Royal Hippodrome Theatre opened in 1902 and was a stage theatre until 1931 seating 4,000 people. From 1931-1967 it was a cinema; demolished in 1984 (information from Theatre Trust UK)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Olympia Theatre was designed by Frank Matcham and owned by Moss Empires Ltd. It is situated in the West Derby Road in Everton. The Olympia seated 3750 in stalls and 3 balconies, and has an ornate interior decorated with elephants and Indian Panelling. It had a vast stage and was also designed to house circus events - the elephant, horse and lions accommodation still survives below the stage.
 
It never matched the success of the Royal Hippodrome which was just across the road and in 1925 it was closed, and, after a 3 week conversion, reopened as a cinema. This work was largely confined to realigning the seats and installing a large screen at the rear of the stage - 30 foot from the front row of the stalls. The plasterwork and balconies were not altered. It now seated 3400.
 
ABC acquired the Olympia in 1930 and continued the film fare until 1939 when throughout the war it was used as a naval depot. It was sold by ABC to Mecca in 1948 (it had not reopened after the war) and was converted into a ballroom known as the Locarno. Bingo followed from 1964-82, then after being shuttered, bingo returned from 1987-90.
 
After another period of disuse it was restored and used once more for live entertainment - including the circus. It has also been a disotheque. It is now a venue for boxing and concerts. It is grade II listed building. (information from Theatre Trust UK)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crane Hall, built for the Crane Brothers to accommodate their music shop and offices is a five-storey stone and brick building, six bays with canted wall to Hanover Street, and five bays to School Lane, Mezzanine and attic. The Mezzanine has small-paned casements between flat pilasters and entablature; the three upper storeys have flat pilasters with some carving. The Concert Hall is above the music shop (the latter now modernised) and the fly tower is within in a mansard roof. The hall was conceived as a showcase for instrumental recitals, but took the form of a theatre and was used, as such, though it was known as the Crane Hall until 1938.
No longer associated with the Crane Brothers, the theatre was saved by the Corporation taking a lease in 1968. It was renamed as The Neptune Theatre after Neptune who figures in the City Coat of Arms. It is an unusual, extremely pleasing and intimate house, suitable for plays and chamber music. (information from Theatre Trust UK)
 

 

 
 
 
 
Hope Hall in Hope street was originally a church with a small horseshoe balcony which was used for concerts and events, later became a cinema in 1912 and was then converted for stage use in 1961 and owned by Lesley Blond. In 1964 by then owned by the Everyman Company it was converted for stage use with the addition of an apron stage, new seating and dressing rooms and renamed The Everyman Theatre.
 
In 1977 the theatre was again re-designed and part of the auditorium floor dug out to create an adaptable performance space. There is a bistro beneath the stalls.
 
The original chapel façade was replaced by plain stone with vertical glass panels, which seems an intrusion upon the neighbouring buildings.
 
The Everyman has a thrust stage with fixed seating on 3 sides. The two banks of side seats include pews from the original building. Above the stage is a comprehensive lighting grid.
 
An attractive and lively venue which now works in conjunction with The Playhouse (information from Theatre Trust UK)

 

Directory Listings

By the late 19thc Liverpool had approx 26 theatres and many more Music Halls.

Theatre Listings 1869 Slaters

Theatres & Music Halls Kelly's Directory of Liverpool 1894

Theatres & Places of Amusement Liverpool & Wirral Gore's Directory 1900

Coming soon Kelly's Directory of Liverpool & Suburbs 1947 Theatre listing

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© Caryl Williams Old Liverpool 2005

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