Everyman

With the effective life of Reading’s first theatre (Thorntons) over, Mr T Fry took over the New Hall in London Street, formerly the Literary, Scientific and Mechanic's Institute, erected a new proscenium and opened in 1853 as the Theatre Royal, New Hall. In 1843 Charles Dickens gave a solo reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’.

In the 1860s audiences dwindled and in 1866 the hall was sold to the Primitive Methodists. In 1949 the Everyman Theatre Co was formed and a year later was able to persuade the Borough Council to buy the then disused chapel. Renamed the Everyman Theatre it opened on Easter Monday 1952. In 1957 the Company fell into financial difficulties. Their administration was taken over by the Borough Council, and December saw the demise of their Company. The theatre was in occasional use by various amateur groups, until April 1960 when it was sold to the Reading Newspaper Co.

Greek Ionic front with engaged fluted columns, pediment and entablature over. The original foyer and plasterwork can still be seen, and the spiral staircase from the lower foyer remains intact. Offices now occupy the shell of the building.