Drill Hall

The Drill Hall was built in 1862 as the headquarters of the 12th Surrey Rifles. On 30 April 1879, the Hall was the venue for the first amateur performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta by the Harmonists Choral Society, and was attended by Sir Arthur Sullivan. The performance, with many others, was produced by Francois Cellier, organist of St. Andrews Church nearby, who was a close friend of Sullivan (and who later became Musical Director with the G & S Company). The Hall accommodated 2400 with a gallery and served for many years for performances of operetta and drama, until the Empire and Royal County were built. It was no longer used after 1908 and was demolished in September 1909. Stage facilities are thought to have been installed in the mid 1870s. The Hall was a high pitch-roofed building of brick, with windows high in the walls, and ante-rooms at front and rear which served for dressing rooms, box office etc.