"In this year [1854] there were no dramatic or lyrical theatres remaining on Portsea Island. The old High Street Theatre, located where the Grammar School now stands, closed in 1854; it was never an imposing building and had been deteriorating for years. The Grecian Saloon in Mary- le –Bon Street, opened in 1843, had become bankrupt in 1850. There were a number of music halls, many of dubious character! Thus there was an urgent need to provide good professional theatre for the local people!"