Tivoli Theatre, Peter Street, Manchester
THE FOLLY THEATRE - The present building will be pulled down and replaced with an entirely new and modern structure capable of comfortably accommodating 2,000 people. The new building will be erected from the designs and under the personal superintendence of Mr Frank Matcham, the eminent theatre architect. The new building will be lighted throughout by the electric light, will have a handsome verandah and frontage to Peter Street and will be one of the most comfortable and magnificent Theatre of Varieties in Europe. In addition to the most improved methods of ventilation, the theatre will be fitted with a sliding or removable roof thereby ensuring that in the hottest summer weather the theatre can be kept cool and comfortable. [Manchester Guardian 19 October 1895 page 4]
TBE FOLLY THEATRE - Mr. Hockin applied on behalf of Mr Walter Stanion, beer and wine retailer, Peter-street, for permission to rebuild the premises known as the Folly Theatre, in Peter Street. Mr Batty appeared to oppose the application on behalf of the proprietors of the Free-trade Hall and others. It was explained by Mr. Hockin that in connection with the Folly Theatre there was a licence entitling the occupant to sell beer and wine on the premises. It was proposed to pull down the present building and replace it by a handsome structure. The premises had been acquired by a company called the Tivoli Manchester Company. There was no intention, however, of increasing the drinking accommodation; in fact, the present, counter accommodation, which was 247ft. in length, would be reduced to less than 70ft. No less than £8,000 would be spent by the company upon the site and the plans of the new building had had the approval of the Manchester Corporation. —After evidence in support of the application had been given by an architect, who said the new building would be a great improvement on the present one, Mr. Wilkes, one of the directors of the Tivoli Company, was called. In reply to Mr. Batty's questions, he said he knew nothing about the statements made in the prospectus of the Company, but he believed those statements were correct. Mr. Batty drew the witness's attention to a statement in the prospectus that there was a population of 5 million within a twelve-mile radius from Manchester; but Mr. Wilkes could say nothing on that point—Mr. Batty: What revenue do you anticipate from the sale of liquor on the premises? - Witness: I should think the profits would be very little. Continuing, the witness said he had been told that the old Folly Theatre had made money by the sale of liquor, but he thought the new company would secure the attendance of a better class of people. and would furnish a more elevating entertainment. There was not a Manchester gentleman on the board of directors, but the capital of the company had not been entirely raised in London. It had been subscribed from different parts of the Country. [Manchester Guardian 28 August 1896 page 6 – Licensing Sessions]
MANCHESTER BREWSTER SESIONS - The Tivoli Theatre Limited. The application to rebuild and the old Folly Theatre, which it is proposed to transform into the Tivoli Theatre, was granted by the Bench to the company subject to the construction of a wall which will prevent drinking in the auditorium. Mr Hockin, who appeared for the applicants, said the plans had been approved by the Corporation.
MANCHESTER - For the rebuilding of the Tivoli Theatre of Varieties (late Folly), Peter-street. Manchester, for the Tivoli Manchester Limited. Mr. Harry Percival. architect. 22. Buckingham-street. Adelphi, London, WC Quantities by Mr. W H Brayshaw, Rugby-chambers, Bedford-row, W.C. [Builder 30 January 1897 page 112]
