"Built among the public houses, brothels, factories and tiny workers’ cottages of Wapping, the theatre opened in 1837."
More about the 175 years celebrations at ABC Local :
Slideshow and voice recording of Larry Olivier 1948
Source: Nexo fit out for new audio system by The Sound Company (TSC).
1830s
The Mercury, 8th December 1837
TRANSCRIPT
Mr. Meredith of the Theatre Royal, stood charged with having committed an assault on Mr. Kew a young gentleman at the Shades on Friday Evening last. It ap- peared that the fracas had originated in some misunderstanding connected with the Theatre. In the course of the evidence a fact was elicited which caused great mer- riment. All the parties charged each other with having sacrificed too liberally to the jolly God, and amongst the persons present on that evening was a jovial undertaker, well known in this town on account of his eccentric habits. Mr. Hill a colonial cap- tain, actually went away to hire a hearse thereupon to carry home the undertaker.
Mr. Meredith made an able defence, and was only fined 10s. with costs.
With us it is a question of doubt whether it is for the interest of the Theatre that a license is granted for selling spirituous liquors, &c. on the premises.
Caption: The Shades Tavern, which operated until late 1840, underneath the auditorium at the Theatre Royal. (Paul McIntyre)
More history and photographs at the Theatre Royal's homepage
The Theatre Royal Playbills and Posters
The State Library of Tasmania holds a large collection - see their holdings here.
1870s
Title: Aurora Floyd
Author: Theatre Royal (Hobart, Tas.)
Publisher: [Hobart] : [The Mercury?], [1870]
Description: 1 print (poster): Green text on cream background ; 42 x 30 cm.
Format: [picture] Poster
ADRI: AUTAS001126074848
Source: Tasmaniana Library
Notes: "the great sensation drama found on Miss Braddon's world-renowned novel, Aurora Floyd."
Sole lessee and manager, Mr. F. B. Watson.
Silk playbill listing: "the great sensation drama founded on Miss Braddon's world renowned novel, Aurora Floyd, after which, the grand ballet interlude, Le Pas des Fees ... and Corps de Ballet".
Cast of Aurora Floyd includes: Miss Ada Hart, Mr. S. Parker, Mr. H. Edwards, Mr. George Bromley, Mr. E. A. Reeves, Mr. W. A. James, Mr. C. Sefton, Mr. George Bromley, Mr. Walter Airey, Miss Fanny Hart. Also Mons. G. Massartic and Miss Sally Lloyd in Le Pas des Fees.
1900s
Author: Theatre Royal (Hobart, Tas.)
Publisher: Hobart : Mercury, 1915
Description: 1 poster : black lettering/ col. lithograph ; 102 x 39 cm.
Format: [picture]. Poster
ADRI: AUTAS001125297325
Source: Tasmaniana Library
Notes: "Thursday, Friday and Saturday August 5, 6 & 7".
Direction: J.C. Williamson Ltd. ; produced by Charles A. Wennan ; musical director: Robert Keers ; stage manager J. Whitfield.
No. 300 in the J.W.B. Murphy Collection of theatrical posters.
Coloured illustration of scene from pantomime in upper section of poster ; printed below image: Syd. Day The printer Ltd.
Cast includes: Barry Lupino, Minnie Love, Dolly Castles, Arthur Stigant, Gertie Latchford, Leslie Gaze, Charles Albert, Rupert Darrell, George Young, Tiny Tot Margerie, Little Eileen, George Miller, Jack McArdle, Dorothy Firmin, Gladys Thomas, Maudie Amery.
BOOKMARKS sold at the Theatre Royal 1980s
Handcrafted by Prestige Bookbinders Launceston Tasmania
Photos & bookmarks © Private Collection 2009
