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New Theatre

2116

Built on a site previously occupied by the New Theatre of 1868, which was demolished by fire, and was itself replaced by Drinkwater’s New Theatre of 1886. This was, in turn, remodelled by W G R Sprague in 1908 and, by all appearances, internally remodelled in modern style rather than rebuilt by W & T R Milburn in 1933. The theatre was in the ownership of three generations of the Dorrill family until 1972.

The present theatre has a stone façade, probably in the main that of 1908, with little in the way of architectural relief apart from a lonely-looking aedicule on the long flank. Plain attic above a squashed modillion cornice. Entrance on chamfered corner.

The auditorium is in Art-Deco style. High, arched proscenium with pelmet set within deep banded ante-proscenium. No boxes. Two balconies, the lower one divided by a barrier into dress and upper circle, decorated with ‘Roman’ stud decoration and terminating at the ante-proscenium. At stalls level, two gilded murals depict Antique scenes. In the foyer, the mirrors and staircase decoration are in similar style. Difficult get-in, the stage being more than 2m (6ft 8in) below street level. The theatre is now a major touring house.

Built / Converted
1908
Dates of use
  • 1933 : continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre
Address
George Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2AG, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
New Theatre , Apollo
Events
  • 1908 Design/Construction:
    W G R Sprague
    - Architect
  • 1933 Use: continuing
  • 1933 Alteration: with T P Bennett
    W & T R Milburn
    - Architect
  • 1933 Owner/Management: Oxford Theatre Co Ltd; C C Dorrill, managing director
  • 1972 Owner/Management: Oxford Theatre Co Ltd (Howard & Wyndham Group)
  • 1977 Owner/Management: Apollo Leisure (UK) Ltd
  • 2003 Alteration: refurbished
    Clear Channel
    - Architect
  • 2009 Owner/Management: Bought by Ambassador Theatre Group
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    2000
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1896: 1700
    1975: 1692
    1994: 1826
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    1826
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 11m (36ft)
Proscenium width: 13.72m (46ft 4in)
Height to grid: 18.6m (60ft)
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: Original for 24