Theatre Royal, Melbourne

Old Theatre Royal Melbourne. Destroyed by fire in 1872

Theatre Royal was a theatre at 236 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[1]

History

The Theatre Royal was built on the north side of Bourke Street in 1855 by John Melton Black. It was capable of holding 3300 people and was comparable in size to London's Drury Lane and Convent Garden theatres. The opening production was Richard Sheridan's The School for Scandal. Although described as a "magnificent theatre", the £60,000 cost of the theatre's construction ultimately bankrupted Black.[1][2][3]

Theatre Royal, circa 1873 (it is uncertain if this is the theatre that burned down in 1872 or the one rebuilt after the fire)

In 1872, the theatre burned down but was rebuilt seating 4,000 people. It was remodelled in 1904 and demolished in 1933 to be replaced by Manton's department store and then later by Coles and Target.[1][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Melbourne, School of Historical Studies, Department of History, The University of. "Theatre Royal - Entry - eMelbourne - The Encyclopedia of Melbourne Online". www.emelbourne.net.au. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "JOHN MELTON BLACK.". Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954) (Qld.: National Library of Australia). 10 July 1934. p. 7. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  3. ↑ "THE THEATRE ROYAL.". The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) (Melbourne, Vic.: National Library of Australia). 10 July 1855. p. 5. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
  4. ↑ "Theatre Royal". www.ausstage.edu.au. Retrieved 17 January 2016.

Coordinates: 37°48′47″S 144°57′59″E / 37.8130°S 144.9665°E / -37.8130; 144.9665

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