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Royal Amphitheatre

3273

Built on the site of the old Metropolitan Horse Bazaar, it had a shallow stage for theatrical performances, and a central arena with seats around. Behind the stalls seats was a ring of private boxes, and above this a gallery, giving a capacity of around 1700.

A mixture of performances, starting with circus style, from 1873 presenting farce and ballet, and other drama.

There were several changes of management, each one performing slight alterations/redecorating. In 1884 it closed after a riot, and when it reopened the next year, it had again been redecorated, this time with new seating - now 1000 gallery seats and 1000 pit seats.

Closed as a theatre in 1886, and was used as a sporting club for some time. Damaged during the Second World War, it was later demolished.

Built / Converted
1867
Dates of use
  • 1867 - 1886
Current state
Demolished
Current use
Demolished
Address
Holborn, London, Camden, WC2, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
National Amphitheatre , Grand Central Skating Rink , Royal Connaught , Alcazar , International , Holborn
Events
  • 1867 Design/Construction: (architect unknown).
  • 1867 - 1886 Use:
  • 1885 Alteration: redecorated, new gallery and pit seats added (architect unknown).
  • 1945 Demolition: bombed in WWII, later demolished.
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    1700
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    over 2000
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -