Theatre Royal (III)
Built to replace Thomas Harrison’s 1803 theatre on Fountain Street, which burnt down in 1844. This third incarnation of the Theatre Royal was designed by Irwin & Chester, altered inside by Edward Salomons in 1875. Built at a cost of £23,000 it forms a splendid classical composition in stone and it is one of the best examples of theatre architecture surviving anywhere in England from the first half of the nineteenth century. A projecting entrance bay has a giant recessed portico with Corinthian columns and pilasters. A central semi-circular arch breaks through into the gable above. Steps lead up to the (altered) entrances, the central one surmounted by a pedimented niche with a statue of Shakespeare after the Westminster Abbey example by Peter Scheemakers. Flanking bays have tall pedimented first floor windows with balconies. The new theatre cost £23,000. Fluted Corinthian columns. Arch and pediment over. A massive water tank was provided in the roof to provide an emergency supply in case of fire. Knowles statue of Shakespeare in Carrara marble set in a niche at first floor level. Manchester’s first outdoor statue. (Knowles other business interests included the running of a marble works). Greek and Roman sources for the design have been widely debated. However, Francis Chester’s association with Bath have been overlooked.
Altered: 1875. Edward Salomons. The Builder 1875:829. Converted into a cinema: 1923.
Reference: The Manchester Guardian Wednesday October 1 1845