Home Page
The Music Hall and Theatre History Website

 

Homepage - Site index - Contact me

____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Alexandra Theatre, George Street, Hull

Hull Theatres Index

An early photograph of the Alexandra Theatre, Hull - Courtesy David Fewster

Above - An early photograph of the Alexandra Theatre, Hull - Courtesy David Fewster

 

A 1930s Poster for the Alexandra Theatre, Hull - Courtesy Stephen Wischhusen.The Alexandra Theatre in George Street, Hull was designed by Thomas Guest who also designed the Carlton Theatre, Birmingham. The Theatre opened on Boxing day 1902 with Frederick Moyes and Edith Cole in a production of 'A Royal Divorce'. This was preceded by the National Anthem played by the Theatre's own orchestra under the direction of Alfred Rhodes. Two performances were put on for the opening day, one in the afternoon and another in the evening, in which the owner of the Theatre, William Morton, made a speech thanking the crowded house for coming to the opening of the new Alexandra Theatre. The acting manager for the Theatre was Morton's son, George.

Right - A 1930s variety poster for the Alexandra Theatre, Hull with Scott & Whaley, Wally Wood, The Two Cubans, Judy Jaxon, Dumarte & Denzar, The Four Rios, Pawson and Butler, and Nicol & Martin on the Bill - Courtesy Stephen Wischhusen.


Above - A Streetview map of the site of the Alexandra Theatre, Hull today.

The exterior of the Alexandra was constructed in the Renaissance style with bright red bricks and terra cotta dressings, and the main entrance to the Theatre was on George Street, although there were also entrances to the Gallery and Pit from Bourne Street, and exits to Mason Street. The exterior also had a tower on its George Street and Bourne Street corner which was fitted with a powerful search light and must have been visible for miles around.

The Theatre's auditorium, which was lit by electricity from the start, was constructed on four levels, stalls and pit, dress circle, family gallery, and gallery, and could accommodate 2,200 people seated and a furthur 500 standing. The auditorium also had a large glass and iron sliding roof which could be opened for ventilation. The Theatre was equipped with a large stage with a proscenium opening of 36 foot wide and enough dressing rooms to provide accommodation for large touring productions.

The Alexandra Theatre was a casualty of the Second World War when it was destroyed by enemy action in 1941.

 

John William Munby as Justice Shallow John William Munby as the Prince of Verona

Above - Two photographs of John William Munby of Hull (1876-1960) in costume for Justice Shallow and the Prince of Verona at the Alexandra Theatre, Hull circa 1904 - Courtesy Drew Adamson, whose Great Grandmother's brother was John Munby.

 

Postcard advertising 'The Angel of His Dreams' at the Alexandra Theatre, Hull 1909.

Postcard advertising 'The Angel of His Dreams' at the Alexandra Theatre, Hull 1909.

Above - A Postcard advertising 'The Angel of His Dreams' at the Alexandra Theatre, Hull 1909.

If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please contact me here...