Theatre Royal

The original playhouse on this site, described as a ‘beautiful and elegant theatre’, was built in 1815. When it was finally destroyed by fire it had a capacity of 500 and was on three levels with an iron balcony. The replacement, on the site of the old theatre and adjoining pub, opened in 1902. It was designed by William Shipley, who was also the owner.

Situated in the shadow of Windsor Castle, it has a tall, narrow, stone façade with big mullioned and transomed window. Frank Verity’s 1912 auditorium has one deep balcony and boxes on either side linking it to the proscenium which is flanked by engaged columns. The rear part of the stalls (the former pit) is raised up behind a curved parapet and has a good rake. French Neo-Classical style plasterwork on ceiling, proscenium etc. In 1965 Verity’s open ironwork balustrades to the balcony and boxes were replaced by solid fronts, ornamented with plasterwork in a style sympathetic with the remainder but perhaps to be regretted. Ironwork balustrades are rare generally in theatre architecture in Britain but a few appeared around this period: Verity’s own Scala Theatre, 1905 (demolished), Wimbledon Theatre, 1910, and the Opera House, Manchester, 1912.