Building Name

Royal Court Theatre Rylands Street Warrington

Date
1892
District/Town
Warrington
County/Country
GMCA, England
Work
New Build

NEW THEATRE AT WARRINGTON - The town of Warrington is to possess a first class theatre constructed on similar lines to the principles which were recommended by Mr Henry Irving and Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, architects of this city, in their model safety plan issued a few years ago. The old Public Hall, situates in Rylands Street is now being transformed into a theatre and it will henceforth be known as the Royal Court Theatre. The reconstruction is so far complete as to admit of a public opening on Thursday next. The scheme embraces the rearrangement and enlargement of the old gallery, with the addition of two private boxes on each side. A large stage, fitted up with all modern improvements and conveniences will enable the proprietors to produce spectacular drama on a much finer scale than before. The stage is to have a smoke shaft and is to be disconnected from the auditorium. The new elevation to Rylands Street will contain four shops without interfering with the entrances and exits to the theatre. The artistes= dressing rooms will occupy a portion of the new frontage. And a a fireproof staircase will be provided. A large foyer will occupy the frontage over the shops. All parts of the circle and pit will have easy access. Provision is made in the scheme for enlarging the pit at any time. Barriers are provided in thre auditorium to divide the various sections of the audience. All the public staircases are fireproof. The interior of the theatre is being decorated in a light blue scheme of colour, relieved with cream and gold, and the ceiling and walls are enriched with bands of ornament. The reconstruction has been entrusted to Mr John Bland, and the decoration to Messrs Heighway, both of this city. The whole of the works are being carried out from the designs and under the superintendence of Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, the architects. [Manchester Guardian 26 July 1892 page 8]

The Old Public Hall of Warrington has just been reconstructed under the direction of Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, architects, Manchester, for the purposes of a theatre. Mr John Bland of Manchester was the contractor and Messrs Heighway of the same city, the decorators. [British Architect 29 July 1892 Page 91]

Theatre burnt down 24 December 1906 and re-opened in 1907. Finally closed in 1958 and was demolished in 1960.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 26 July 1892 page 8
Reference    British Architect 29 July 1892 Page 91
Reference    Manchester Guardian 25 December 1906 page 10 - destruction by fire