“VICTORIA THEATRE, Waterloo Bridge Road, Lambeth, originally styled ‘the Cobourg,’ from the first stone having been laid in the name of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg, 1817. Some of the stones from the old Savoy Palace was employed in its construction. The name was changed to its present form in 1833, and the Queen, then the Princess Victoria, visited the house. The gallery is very large” (215).

”The VICTORIA THEATRE is in WATERLOO BRIDGE ROAD, LAMBETH. It was originally The Coburg, and called The Victoria for the first time soon after the accession of William IV,. when her present Majesty was only heir presumptive to the crown. The gallery at the ‘Vic’ (for such is its brief cognomen about Lambeth) is one of the largest in London. It will hold from 1500 to 2000 people, and runs back to so great a distance, that the end of it is lost in shadow, excepting where the little gas-jets, against the wall, light up the two or three faces around them. When the gallery is well packed, it is usual to see piles of boys on each others’ shoulders at the back, while on the partition-boards dividing off the slips, lads will pitch themselves despite the spikes” (179).

(Under Entertainment - Theatre & Shows - Theatres & Venues - The Vic)

The information provided within this source is similar to that given within London in all its Glory, also published by H.G. Clarke, & Co.


In addition, this source also contains the following:

“It was at this theatre, in its earlier days, that the fine taste, and eminent talents of Clarkson Stanfield, were first introduced to public notice. The present lessee is Mr. Osbaldiston, and the pieces produced are melo-dramatic pieces of the lowest character. The gallery is the largest in London, and is well worth viewing from the slips, at the end of the first piece, if the theatre is well filled; the numbers occupying it, their state of undress, and varied occupation, forming a very striking picture, particularly when viewed for the first time. Lessee, Mr Osbaldiston. Doors open at six o’clock; performances commence at half-past six. Admission: boxes, one shilling; pit, sixpence; gallery, threepence. Second price at nine o clock: boxes, sixpence” (219).

p.90.

“VICTORIA THEATRE, New Cut, Lambeth, was originally named ‘the Cobourg,’ from the first stone having been laid by proxy for Prince Leopold of Sase-Cobourg, Oct. 15, 1817: it has in its foundation part of the stone of the old Savoy Palace. The theatre was designed by Cabanel, a carpenter from Liege, who also constructed the stage of old Drury-lanc Theatre, and invented a roof known by his name. The Cobourg Theatre was first opened May 13, 1818: for its repertoire, Clarkson Stanfield, subsequently R.A., painted scenery; and here was constructed a looking-glass curtain, of large plates of glass, enclosed in a gilt frame. The house was leased to Egerton and Abbott in 1833, when the name was changed to ‘Victoria,’ and the Princess (her present Majesty) visited the theatre” (788).


Also gives the theatre’s capacity (in 1866) as 2000 (789)

Chapter 30 ('Lambeth - Introduction and the transpontine theatres'.)