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Theatre Royal, Peter Street, Manchester
Also known as the Royal Cinema / Royal Bingo / Royale.

Manchester Index

Above - The auditorium of the Theatre Royal, Manchester in 1980 whilst being used for Bingo
Photo courtesy Ted Bottle.

The Grade II Listed Theatre Royal in Peter Street, Manchester was built in 1845 by John Gould Irwin & Francis Chester and is Manchester's oldest surviving Theatre. The auditorium was built on four levels with Stalls and three balconies and was originally designed for drama and opera productions. The Theatres Trust Guide says that: 'The façade of the Theatre Royal, as well as Cockerell’s banks were clearly a source of inspiration for Richardson and his partners when designing the front of the Royal Opera House.' The guide also says that: 'The ornate ceiling, now not easily visible, has deeply coved sides and basketwork enrichment reminiscent of Covent Garden.' In 1875 the interior was reconstructed.

Right - Programe for the Theatre Royal, Manchester 1915 - Courtesy Peter Charlton.

In 1921 the interior was again reconstructed, this time for Cinema use and most of the stage was removed. In 1963 the Theatre was furthur reconstructed for Cinerama.

Above - The Theatre Royal, Manchester's procenium and stage hidden behind a cinerama curtain whilst the Theatre was being used for Bingo in 1980 - Photo Courtesy Ted Bottle.

In 1972 the Theatre was converted for Bingo and in the 1990s it was converted into a Nightclub but given the will and the finance the Theatre is probably restorable to its former Theatrical use.

If you know any more about this Theatre of have programmes or images you are willing to share please Contact Me...