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The Cavalry Theatre was built in 1890 and demolished in 1960.

This 500 seat theatre was located just in side the Cavalry Barracks, site between Barrack Road and Wellington Avenue. The Theatre was almost on the site now occupied by the Princes Hall.

It was used as a live theatre until about 1918, when the main usage was as a cinema and for amateur performances. During the war, under the direction of ENSA some live shows were again staged here. The manager during the ENSA years was the much loved and respected Pop Wray, who at one time had been general manager to Sir George Dance.

Percy Honri the well known variety Artiste's parents played here in April 1890 as the Thompson Trio before His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who approved of their act by saying: "Very Good, Very Good indeed." ( The Hants & Surrey Times ) on the strength of which they became, The ROYAL Thompson Trio.

This textual information was kindly sent in by Alan Chudley.

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