Royal Olympic Theatre, Lever Street, Manchester
Situated at the corner of Lever Street and Stevenson Square, Manchester, the Royal Olympic was a short-lived theatre opened on 26 November 1838 with a month-long season of dramatic and equestrian entertainments, after which it was available for hire until Easter 1840. Its proprietor, W M Bates, was heavily involved in the Royal Amphitheatre, later Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool which opened a month later, on 26 December 1838. By the Spring of 1841 the theatre was closed. Taken over by R and W Falkner of 1 Oldham Street, it was converted into a linen, woollen and general furnishings drapery establishment
NEW THEATRE, MANCHESTER: THE CERTIFICATE - We, the undersigned, having made a survey of the building now erecting in Stevenson's Square, to be called the Royal Olympic Theatre, having carefully examined the same, as to the strength of the walls, construction of carpenters' work, etc. are fully of opinion the whole is done in a good and workmanlike manner, and is perfectly safe and secure to bear the weight or pressure of any number of persons it is capable of containing. THOMAS LEE, Architect and Surveyor. DAVID BELLHOLTSE, junior, Builder. Manchester, October 31st, 1838. [Manchester Guardian 17 November 1838 page 2]
ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE, Stevenson's Square, Lever Street, Piccadilly, Manchester. Mr W M. BATES, proprietor of the Royal Amphitheatre, Liverpool, respectfully states to the Nobility, Gentry, Inhabitants, and Visitors of Manchester and its vicinity, that he intends to OPEN the above NEW THEATRE on MONDAY, 26th November, 1838, with a Double Company of Dramatic and Equestrian Performers, and a New Stud of 40 British and Foreign Horses and Fairy Steeds.
The Season of the Royal Olympic will positively occupy One Month only, owing to the opening of Mr. Bate's Royal Amphitheatre at Liverpool, on the 26th December. The doors will be opened each evening at half-past six; and the entertainments commence at seven o'clock precisely. Ten Private Boxes, at 21s.; Dress Boxes, 3s.; Pit 2s.; Gallery, 1s. - Children under 14 years of age, half-price to all parts of the theatre - Second Price at nine o'clock. Boxes, 2s.; 1s.; Gallery, 6d. The Box Office will be opened on Saturday, November 24th, and every day during the season, from eleven to three o'clock, when Mr. Hale will be in attendance. Further particulars will be given in future advertisements and the Bills of the day. The THEATRE will be TO LET, from the 26th December until Easter, for Public Meetings, Concerts, etc. - Application to be made to Mr. Bates.' [Manchester Guardian 17 November 1838 page 2]