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The Grade I Listed Theatre Royal in King Street, Bristol was originally built by Thomas Patey in 1766 and despite many changes over the years it remains Britains oldest working Theatre. The Theatre's 1881 auditorium consists of Stalls and three semi circular balconies and is said to have been modelled on the Theatre Royal Drury Lane's auditorium of the time. However, the Bristol Theatre Royal auditorium currently seats 668 whereas Drury Lane's present auditorium, remodelled in 1922, now seats nearly 2,300.

The Bristol Theatre Royal's auditorium was altered in 1881 by T. Pope, the City architect, and the well known Theatre Architect C. J. Phipps. Phipps also built Bristol's Prince's Theatres. At this time the stage was also reduced by five feet in depth from the front.

Right - Poster for a Benefit performance at the Theatre Royal, Bristol for Mr. Dobbins, the Theatre's Treasurer, on February the 27th 1857 - Click to enlarge.

In 1903 the facade of the Theatre was replaced and a new portico, made of iron, was added by W. Skinner, who also provided new dressing rooms, a new safety curtain and an altered procenium.

In 1946 a new Theatre company, formed from part of London's Old Vic Company, took up residence in the Theatre. Called the Bristol Old Vic Company they have remained there ever since. The Bristol Old Vic Company also produced some productions at the Bristol Little Theatre until 1980.

In 1972 the whole stage house was demolished, including its Victorian stage machinary, and then rebuilt with a flat stage which somwhat spoilt the sight lines in the process. A new entrance to the Theatre was also provided through Cooper's Hall next door where a new facade was built, behind which was built a new Studio Theatre called the New Vic which seated 150. The new studio was built where the original entrance had been and the new entrance through Cooper's Hall provided the building some much improved foyer space.

Left - The Auditorium and stage of the Theatre Royal, Bristol by Desmond Tripp - From 'The Bristol Old Vic, The first ten years' by Audrey Williamson & Charles Landstone 1957.

The Theatre Royal, or Bristol Old Vic as it has become known, closed down in August 2007 for major renovation work and although much of the funds for this are already in place the venture still needs to raise £2m from the public. If you would like to know more about this please visit the 'Save Bristol Old Vic' website here...