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____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Shakespeare Theatre, Fraser Street, Liverpool Later the New Shakespeare Theatre / The Pigalle Theatre Club
Above - Sketch of the Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool - From 'The Playgoer' of 1901 - Courtesy Iain Wotherspoon.
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Right - A Programme cover for Wentworth Croke's Pantomime production of 'Jack And Jill' at the Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool in 1911. Kelly's Directory of Liverpool of 1894 tells us that the Shakespeare Theatre was lit by Electric light and Ventilated behind and before the curtain, and that during the winter months the Theatre was heated by hot water. The Foyer was lined and paneled with beautifully carved Dantric oak representing scenes and characters from Shakespeare's plays. Special attention was also paid to the prevention of fire, concrete being largely used for the construction of the Theatre, and over the stage were two large water mains called 'Sprinklers.' The stage was separated from the auditorium by a patent asbestos and iron fire proof curtain weighing five tons, and by iron doors. Sam Wanamaker took over the Theatre in 1957 and renamed it the New Shakespeare, producing 'legitimate' theatre there. It was also briefly known as the Pigalle Theatre Club. Despite their best endeavours however, neither venture lasted very long. The Shakespeare Theatre was demolished in 1976 after a major fire destroyed much of the building. |
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Above - An Interior photograph of the Lounge of the Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool - From 'The Playgoer' of 1901 - Courtesy Iain Wotherspoon. There are some details of the Shakespeare Theatre and many images of the Pantomime 'Dick Whittington' being staged there in 1909 at the website 'It's Behind You.Com' here. |
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If you have any more information or images for this Theatre you are willing to share please Contact Me Here...
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