The Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal, located at 61 Angel Lane in Stratford, was built in 1884 and designed by architect J G Buckle, with later additions. It was commissioned by Charles Silver, an actor-manager. The building features a plain exterior with a channeled stucco ground floor and painted brick upper storeys. The central section has corner stucco pilasters that rise through the upper storeys, supporting a cornice and parapet. A central stucco panel displays a raised inscription reading 'Theatre Royal', and there is an oriel window above with an enriched stucco apron.

Inside, the theatre retains its original ornamentation and decoration, including two galleries supported by a range of cast iron columns. Two boxes flank the central proscenium arch, and there is delicate plasterwork on the ceiling, boxes, and balcony fronts. Side extensions were added in 1887, and the stage was enlarged to the rear in 1891. The Theatre Royal is reputed to be a unique example of a London or suburban theatre constructed using cast beams and columns instead of steel cantilevers.