”[…] In 1849 the Unitarians migrated from Paradise Street to a handsome edifice in the Gothic style of architecture in Hope Street. Paradise Street Chapel was put up for sale and bought privately on behalf of Mr. Joseph Heath, who, about 1850, opened the building as the Royal Colosseum Theatre and Music Hall. It is only fair to mention that the Unitarians did not know for what purpose their former chapel had been bought. When Mr. Heath first opened the theatre the pews of the chapel were requisitioned for seating accommodation. The dramatic entertainments which Mr. Heath gave his patrons, the youthful and ancient mariners from the Wapping and other contiguous docks, were of a full-flavoured description, while the variety performances, which were given in that portion of the building fronting Paradise Street,! were well suited to the taste of those for whom he successfully catered through a number of years.

When Mr. Heath first opened the 'Colly,' as it was familiarly called the audience, in order to enter the theatre, had to pass through the graveyard which partly encircled the building. Amongst a number of youthful frequenters of the 'Colly' the belief gained ground that some 'spirit doom'd for a certain term to walk the night' haunted the vicinity of the theatre. Be this as it may, there is no doubt that prior to the removal of the remains for reinterment elsewhere, 'Props' of the theatre was never at his wit's end for a skull for Hamlet. Indeed the actor could help himself, for when in the dressing-room (which had previously been used as a grave vault), he had, it is said, only to put his hand through a thin division wall to lay hold, even as Hamlet did, of the grisly relic itself. My friend, the late James Carr, told me he remembered that on one occasion when Eugene Aram was played at the 'Colly,' a real skeleton from the adjoining graveyard was requisitioned to do duty for the bones of Aram's victim! […]” (258-9).