The New Theatre Royal. Exeter

Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, architects, of this city have received instructions to prepare plans for rebuilding the Exeter Theatre, lately destroyed by fire, and also a bijou theatre for the Amateur Dramatic Society of Exeter. Both theatres will be designed on the Irving-Darbyshire safety plan. [Manchester Guardian 18 January 1888 page 5]

The Theatre Royal Exeter, the scene of the sad disaster of 1887, has been rebuilt on what is known as the "Irving safety plan," being the first theatre constructed on this design. The site is an unusually advantageous one for such a building, situated at the junctions of Longbrooke-street and New North-road, having open spaces on three sides. Longbrooke-street, which is made use of for the principal entrances, has a natural declivity, corresponding as nearly as possible to fall of the pit levels. The main entrance to foyer faces London Inn-square, from which point the building extends 186 feet by 66 feet in width. Internally, the auditorium consists of two levels only, the chief of which is the "circle," containing ten tiers, solidly constructed of concrete, supported by heavy cantilever girders. Two columns only support the circle, so that the view from amphitheatre beneath is very slightly obstructed. The wings of circle are carried on iron ornamental wall brackets without joists, built in. The fireproof front is of a graceful horseshoe shape. Between boxes, and extending 12 feet in front of proscenium-wall, is an archivolt, springing off either side of boxes, with richly-moulded and plaster panels and ribs. The ground level of auditorium contains the orchestra stalls, pit, and amphitheatre, which takes the place of a gallery. Separate exits have been provided for each part of the house. The main features of this theatre are that the amphitheatre takes the place of the gallery, which is entirely dispensed with. All steps, landings, floors, roofs, etc, are made fireproof, and no person is seated above the proscenium opening; in fact, the highest point of the house is only 7 feet above the roadway. A large dome, 37 feet by 25 feet is the main feature of the plaster panelled ceiling of auditorium. The auditorium and stage-roofs, boxes, etc., are constructed of a new fireproof material. Two tiers of well-appointed dressing-rooms are arranged on the Longbrooke-street side, the ceilings and floors of which are of fireproof material. The spaces between the numerous exits have been utilised for three shops. Inside the proscenium _ wall the stage, which measures 50 feet by 40 feet, is cut off from auditorium by a fireproof curtain, which descends in twenty seconds. The height of stage-roof above the floor of stage cellar is 70 feet, and a smoke-shaft about 12 feet square, with open glass louvres, is fixed in the centre of this roof. The flies are constructed of iron girders and fireproof floors. A commodious and well-lighted paint -room is planned at back of stage on fly level with glass roof and concrete floor, and iron trap-door for paint-frame. Outside paint-room and flies, escape is made possible by a clear run into the open down a 4 feet wide staircase. On the "O P." side is one of Hayward's spiral staircases for same purpose. Hydrants have been placed in the flies, and at various and convenient parts of the building. The exterior has been improved by an iron escape portico to mam entrance. The front mansard roofs have been covered with green Buttermere slate, the centre turret surmounted with iron coronas, and the side roofs with suitable crestings in hammered iron.  The reconstruction has been planned by Messrs. Darbyshire and Smith, architects, of Manchester, and has been carried out m the short space of six months by Mr. W. Dart, contractor, Crediton, Mr. W. E. Dixon being clerk of works. Mr. W. J. Dart has acted as genera! manager of the works throughout their progress. The cost has been about £6,500. [Building News 25 October 1889 page 576]

The Irving Darbyshire Safety Plan (1884), advocated the use of an asbestos safety curtain between stage and auditorium: its general principles were subsequently incorporated into the rebuilding of the Exeter theatre after the disastrous fire on 5 September 1887 which killed almost 200 people in 1887 and nearly wrecked Phipps's career. The Safety Plan also advocated the elimination of overhanging balconies and stage boxes, and the provision behind the seating of ample colonnades connected directly with the exits.

Reference    Manchester Guardian 18 January 1888 page 5
Reference    Manchester Guardian Tuesday 1 January 1889 Page 1 (Contracts)
Reference    Building News 25 October 1889 page 576