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Theatre Royal, Williamson Square

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Venue Type & Location

Theatre

Overview

  • Address: Williamson Square, Liverpool. Click here for map.

  • Performance Space Description: The Theatre Royal was a stone building with a semicircular front adorned with the King’s Arms. In Annals of the Liverpool Stage, R.J. Broadbent cites the following description of the auditorium after the building’s reconstruction in 1803: “The shape of the interior is nearly that of a horse-shoe, the performance may be very wel [sic] seen, and the lowest whisper, if articulate, distinctly heard. We could wish the proscenium had been less richly ornamented, for, however beautifully executed, it does not entirely harmonise with the light, elegant decorations of the other parts of the house. The fronts of the boxes are painted with a sort of lattice work silvered, and medallions beautifully executed. The supporters of the boxes are light, well-proportioned, cast-iron pillars, gilded. There are four-and-twenty of the handsomest lustres we ever saw; twelve of which, somewhat larger than the others, are suspended at equal distances round the lower tier; eight round the second tier, and four above those, round the third or highest tier”” (110-111).

  • Typical Fare: During the years covered by this database, performances at the Theatre Royal included tragedies, comedies, pantomimes, operas, magic shows, and melodramas, amongst other things. Many of the biggest stars of the day graced the theatre’s stage, including Fanny Kemble, William Macready, James Anderson, Sarah Siddons, Jenny Lind and Charles Dickens. (See Broadbent’s Annals of the Liverpool Stage for a more detailed breakdown of the entertainments offered at this venue).

    • Performance History

  • The Theatre Royal was constructed in 1772 at a total cost of 6,000 pounds. These funds were gathered from thirty subscribers, who purchased shares of 200 pounds apiece. Sir William Chambers was the architect.

  • At the end of 1802, the theatre was rebuilt and enlarged. The new building was opened in June of 1803 with a performance of Speed the Plough and No Song, No Supper.

  • The theatre was put up for auction in 1885, and it changed hands several times before being transformed into a cold storage. In 1965, the building was razed to make way for a road.

    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, Williamson Square

    Film Affiliated people Film Type # of event(s)
    Aldridge, Ira Aldridge, Ira Dramatic Definite Aldridge, Ira
    Anderson, James Anderson, James Dramatic Definite Anderson, James
    Black Serenaders, The Minstrel Definite Black Serenaders, The
    Bosjesmans Exhibition Definite Bosjesmans
    Brooke, G.V. Brooke, G.V. Dramatic Definite Brooke, G.V.
    Butler, Samuel Butler, Samuel Dramatic Definite Butler, Samuel
    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) Juba, Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Ludlow, M.C. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Pell, Gilbert W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Briggs, T.F. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49) Valintine, J.W. Minstrel Definite Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Fitzwilliam, Mrs. Dramatic Definite Fitzwilliam, Mrs.
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Vincent, Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Hicks, T. Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Charles, E.M. Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Caswell, Miss Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Coleman Pope, Mrs. Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846) Nye, H. Dramatic Definite Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Hammond, W.J. Hammond, W.J. Dramatic Definite Hammond, W.J.
    Hoskins, W. Hoskins, W. Dramatic Definite Hoskins, W.
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Thompson, L.S. Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Cleaver, Miss Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Lunt, G. Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Jonas, Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) McGregor, Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Eaton, Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Benwell, Dramatic Definite Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Nano, Signor Hervio Nano, Signor Hervio Dramatic Definite Nano, Signor Hervio
    New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders Sanford, Minstrel Definite New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders Swaine, Minstrel Definite New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders Rainer, Minstrel Definite New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders Ole Bull jun., Minstrel Definite New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders Burke, Minstrel Definite New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Liverpool, 46) Dramatic Definite Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Liverpool, 46)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'di Fiore' (Marionette), 'Sig. Tulippo' Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) Brown, Albany Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Satinwood' (Marionette), Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Pine' (Marionette), Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Hazelton' (Marionette), Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Varnum' (Marionette), 'Lignum' Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Geranium' (Marionette), Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes) 'Willow' (Marionette), Minstrel Definite Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Russell, Henry Russell, Henry Vocal Entertainment Definite Russell, Henry
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Barrowcliffe, Mrs. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Watson, G. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Coombe, Mrs. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Lloyds, F. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Vivash, Miss Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Webster, Miss Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Gardner, Miss H. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842) Pelham (non-minstrel), Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Hardiman, Miss Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) McGregor, Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Webster, Miss Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Vivash, Miss Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Lloyds, C. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843) Gardner, Miss H. Dramatic Definite Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Stuart (The Slave) Stuart, Dramatic Definite Stuart (The Slave)
    Ternan Ternan, Dramatic Definite Ternan
    Tyler, J.S. Tyler, J.S. Lecture Definite Tyler, J.S.
    Van Amburgh, the Lion King Van Amburgh, Circus Definite Van Amburgh, the Lion King

    Events at Theatre Royal, Williamson Square

    Event Date Venue Location Film
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Royal Marionette Theatre (inc. Ebony Marionettes)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Liverpool, 46)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Robinson Crusoe Troupe (Liverpool, 46)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Hoskins, W.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Green Bushes Troupe (Liverpool, 1846)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Fitzwilliam, Mrs.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Anderson, James
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Stuart (The Slave)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1843)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Ternan
    Circus - Liverpool, Lancashire Van Amburgh, the Lion King
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Hammond, W.J.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Butler, Samuel
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Slave Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Brooke, G.V.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Brooke, G.V.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Indian Maid Troupe (Liverpool, 1842)
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Nano, Signor Hervio
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire New Orleans Ethiopian Serenaders
    Unknown - Liverpool, Lancashire Russell, Henry
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Black Serenaders, The
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Minstrel Show - Liverpool, Lancashire Ethiopian Serenaders (1848-49)
    Variety - Liverpool, Lancashire Bosjesmans
    Variety - Liverpool, Lancashire Tyler, J.S.
    Dramatic - Liverpool, Lancashire Aldridge, Ira

    Bibliographic Sources

    View a list of abbreviations.

    • Liverpool Journal November 4, 1848: 2: 6.
      Info in Record:
      • surrounding performances at venue ? (not transcribed)
    • Era (London) November 5, 1848: 11: 4.
      Info in Record:
      • Oxford: Oxford UP, 2002
      • Liverpool: Edward Howell, 1908
      • (Under Liverpool - Theatre Royal...)
      • Liverpool: Thomas Taylor, 1835
      • Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 1971