"The Liver Theatre In 1829 Messrs. Raymond and Hammond opened the Liver Theatre, in Church Street. In 1836 they dissolved partnership, and Mr. Hammond opened the Strand Theatre, London. From 'Picture of Liverpool: Stranger's Guide 1834' The Liver Theatre....This neat little theatre opened in Church street and dramatic pieces are exhibited here during the part of the year that the Theatre Royal is closed Paganini appeared at the Liver theatre in 1833 during his tour of British theatres. (see newspaper notices below) The theatre at 46 Church st later became a shop called 'The Liver Establishment' selling household goods and clothes owned by J Carmichael & Co .Today the premises is a Dorothy Perkins store."

” THE LIVER THEATRE. In the latter part of the eighteenth century the site of the Liver Theatre was occupied by an orchard and garden, belonging to a Mr. Brooks, great-uncle to Rector Brooks, after whom Brooks' Alley was named. Church Street was not paved until 1760, and the parapet not flagged till 1816. Few houses had been erected in the street up to the close of the eighteenth century, but, after the dawn of the nineteenth shops and houses sprang into existence very quickly. One of the new buildings was opened about the 'twenties with the high-flown designation of ' The Dominion of Fancy.' Its walls were adorned with mirrors and ornate decorations, and it was used principally for balls, parties, and the exhibition of dioramas.” […]

In response to a generally expressed desire on the part of the inhabitants for a second theatre in Liverpool, Mr. Scott decided to turn ' The Dominion of Fancy' into a theatre. Accordingly a small stage which was situated at the Church Street end of the building was erected, a useful company engaged, and new scenery and machinery provided. The name also underwent a change,'The Dominion of Fancy' being altered to the Pantheon Theatre. […]

About the end of 1829, or the beginning of 1830, the Pantheon came under the direction of Richard Malone Raymond and W. J. Hammond. Prior to this both had been popular performers at the Theatre Royal, in Williamson Square. They re-christened Scott's theatre the Liver. For many years there was placed over the main entrance in Church Street a handsomely carved and gilded representation of the fabulous bird from which Liverpool is supposed to take its name. This emblem is still to be seen over the present shops. Under Messrs. Raymond and Hammond's spirited management the Liver gained great popularity. […]” (206-8)