New Roof, etc: Surrey Theatre, Blackfriars Road, Southwark

The Surrey Theatre, London began life in 1782 as the Royal Circus and Equestrian Philharmonic Academy, one of the many circuses that provided entertainment of both horsemanship and drama. A new theatre, designed by John Ellis, seating 2,161 people in four tiers, opened on 26 December 1865.  In 1884 various alterations were made under the direction of Harry Percival – his first recorded work. The theatre was later remodelled by Kirk and Kirk, as a music hall, but did not prosper, becoming a cinema in 1920. It finally closed in 1924, and the building was demolished in 1934.

For new roof over the stage and auditorium, at the Surrey Theatre, for Col. Temple Temple West. Mr. Harry Percival, architect, 2, Great George-street, Westminster.  Quantities supplied by the architect. Tenders  -  J. Gregory, Clapham Junction £786, H. Hammond, Finsbury Park £770, / Janson and  Co., King Henry’s Road 678 /  Laing and Co., Duke-street, Strand £660.

For laying 4 in. cast-iron main and supplying fire appliances at the Surrey Theatre, Blackfriars-road, for Col. Temple Temple West. Mr. Harry Percival, architect. Quantities by the architect. Tenders — Binney and Sons, Victoria-street, £175 / Shand  Mason, and Co., Upper Thames street, £166 /Merryweather and Son, Greenwich £167 1s 3d.

Reference           Builder November 1884 page 682 - tenders