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Theatre Royal, Bristol

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Venue Type & Location

Theatre

Overview

  • Address: King Street, Bristol. Click here for map

  • Alternate Names: Bristol Old Vic

  • Capacity: The original theatre building held 1600 spectators. After several auditorium renovations, the Theatre Royal now seats 668.

  • Audience Composition: Over the years, the theatre has been patronized by all segments of Bristol society. According to Kathleen Barker, however, during the mid-19th Century, audiences were small, and the Dress Boxes were especially thinly populated. Barker also notes that patrons in both the pit and the boxes frequently engaged in rowdy, and rather destructive behaviour during the 1840s.

  • Performance Space Description: The Bristol Old Vic is a Proscenium theatre, which was originally modeled (in 1764) on the contemporary Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Whereas the auditorium at Drury Lane is believed to have been rectangular, however, the Bristol Theatre Royal features a rounded, horseshoe shape. For descriptions of the initial building, Click Here.

    Between 1842 and 1852, the stage area was raked, and measured approximately 25’ wide x 27’ deep. The building’s interior was decorated in what Barker calls “ ‘Arabesque or Raphaelic’ style” (110), as indicated in the following contemporary description: “On the Dress Circle allegorical figures are introduced, representing Poetry, Painting, Sculpture, Navigation, Rhetoric, Music and Astronomy. The Second Tier contains classic emblems; and the panels of the Gallery, the figures of infants, emblematic of Tragedy, Comedy, Horticulture, Botany, Genius, Dancing, &c, &c.” (qtd in Barker, ibid). Despite this decoration and other contemporary refurbishments, though, the theatre appears to have been showing signs of age, and, according to Barker, was rather dilapidated throughout the 1840s.

    For further descriptions of the theatre at various points throughout its history, Click Here and Here.

  • Typical Fare: In the years covered by this database, the Theatre Royal offered a range of entertainments. “Legitimate” drama, which was apparently unpopular with local audiences (unless performed by William Macready), was largely outweighed by melodramatic pieces and domestic dramas, along with a vast number of concerts, operas, minstrel shows, dioramas and presentations of 'poses plastiques'. While most of the major stars of the 19th Century appeared on the stage at some point, the major draws during this period were William Macready & Jenny Lind.

    • Performance History

  • The Bristol Old Vic is currently the oldest extant theatre (in everyday use) in Great Britain. It was built between 1764 and 1766, at a cost of over 50,000 pounds (raised by subscription). Thomas Paty is usually credited as the architect, though there is some disagreement over this contention (see Barker 10).

  • Since the 18th Century, the theatre has undergone a number of transformations, including the addition of an extra tier of seating (1800), a reduction of the stage depth (1881), and several changes to the façade (1800, 1903, 1973). In 1972, the stagehouse was entirely rebuilt, and the raked stage was replaced with a flat one (which, according to the Theatre Trust website, is completely inappropriate for the auditorium’s sightlines).

  • The theatre was closed for renovations in August of 2007, and is still attempting to secure funds for necessary construction work.

    Please see the 'Bibliographic Sources' link at right for a complete listing of materials (both primary and secondary) from which the above information was compiled.

    Beth Marquis

    • Troupes at Theatre Royal, Bristol

    Film Affiliated people Film Type # of event(s)
    Aldridge, Ira Aldridge, Ira Dramatic Definite Aldridge, Ira
    Amateur Othello Troupe (Bristol, 46) Dramatic Definite Amateur Othello Troupe (Bristol, 46)
    Anderson, James Anderson, James Dramatic Definite Anderson, James
    Black Doctor Troupe (Bristol, 46) Dramatic Definite Black Doctor Troupe (Bristol, 46)
    Celeste, Madame (Quadroon Slave) Dramatic Definite Celeste, Madame (Quadroon Slave)
    Coleman Dramatic Definite Coleman
    Coleman, Piccaninny Minstrel Definite Coleman, Piccaninny
    Cooke, H. Dramatic Definite Cooke, H.
    Creole Troupe (Bristol, 48) Dramatic Definite Creole Troupe (Bristol, 48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) Pell, Gilbert W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) Stanwood, Moody Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) White, W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) Dumbolton, James A. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) Harrington, George Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48) Germon, Francis Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Everton, J.H. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Irwin, J.H. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Valintine, J.W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Briggs, T.F. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Pell, Gilbert W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Ludlow, M.C. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Juba, Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Female American Serenaders Rosa, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Woski, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Yarico, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Hodson, G.A. Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Jumba, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Miami, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Cora, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Female American Serenaders Womba, Minstrel Definite Female American Serenaders
    Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Dramatic Definite Fitzwilliam, Mrs.
    Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 48) Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 48)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 52) Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 52)
    Kean, Charles Kean, Charles Dramatic Definite Kean, Charles
    Light of Other Days Accordionist Band Definite Light of Other Days Accordionist
    Othello Troupe (Bristol, 52) Dramatic Definite Othello Troupe (Bristol, 52)
    Perkins, Charles Dramatic Definite Perkins, Charles
    Philadelphia and Mississippi Ethiopian Serenaders Minstrel Definite Philadelphia and Mississippi Ethiopian Serenaders
    Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Bristol, 50) Dramatic Definite Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Bristol, 50)
    Russell, Henry Russell, Henry Vocal Entertainment Definite Russell, Henry
    Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1842) Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1845) Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1845)
    Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1850) Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1850)
    Smith, Yankee Minstrel Definite Smith, Yankee
    Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 46) Dramatic Definite Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 46)
    Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 50) Dramatic Definite Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 50)
    Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3) Dramatic Definite Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53) Dramatic Definite Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Uncle Tom's Cabin Parts 1&2 Troupe (Bristol, 53) Dramatic Definite Uncle Tom's Cabin Parts 1&2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)

    Events at Theatre Royal, Bristol

    Event Date Venue Location Film
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Parts 1&2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Parts 1&2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Female American Serenaders
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Cooke, H.
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Fitzwilliam, Mrs.
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Anderson, James
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Amateur Othello Troupe (Bristol, 46)
    Vocal Entertainment - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Russell, Henry
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Smith, Yankee
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Coleman, Piccaninny
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Celeste, Madame (Quadroon Slave)
    Ballet - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Light of Other Days Accordionist
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Perkins, Charles
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Othello Troupe (Bristol, 52)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 2 Troupe (Bristol, 53)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 46)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 52)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Uncle Tom's Cabin Part 1 Troupe (Bristol, 52-3)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Coleman
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1850)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Three Fingered Jack Troupe (Bristol, 50)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Bristol, 50)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Creole Troupe (Bristol, 48)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Green Bushes Troupe (Bristol, 48)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Cooke, H.
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Female American Serenaders
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Philadelphia and Mississippi Ethiopian Serenaders
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1845)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Fitzwilliam, Mrs.
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1842)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Ethiopian Serenaders (1846-48)
    Minstrel Show - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Kean, Charles
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Slave Troupe (Bristol, 1845)
    Dramatic - Bristol, Bristol (city-county) in Gloucestershire Black Doctor Troupe (Bristol, 46)

    Bibliographic Sources

    View a list of abbreviations.

    • London: The Society for Theatre Research, 1974
    • (Search 'Theatre Royal Bristol')
    • (search ‘Theatre Royal’)
    • (Under More Provincial Theatres - Bristol - Theatre Royal)
    • (Search 'Theatre Royal Bristol')
    • London: E & FN Spon, 2000
      pp. 253-257.