Theatre Royal

1. VICTORIA ROAD 1549 (South Side) ------------- Theatre Royal NZ 1700 NW 1/233 1.8.52.

I GV

1. Opened in September, 1788. Unique example of small C18 playhouse; virtually unaltered as it ceased to be used as a theatre in the early C19. Exterior:- has no architectural significance - large rectangular building in uncoursed rubble with rough ashlar quoins, stone slate roof pegged with sheep bones. The gable end has a small window on the two upper levels. Main entrance on the West side by small double door in plain stone frame, original paybox just inside. Interior:- Rectangular auditorium. Above the sunk and sloping pit is a row of boxes, four each side and three in the centre, and above this is a gallery. The boxes are divided by Doric columns, square at the ends and corners, otherwise round; the floor is shaped on two levels, each with a backless bench. The gallery runs round three sides of the theatre over the boxes and extends over the vestibule at the back. There is a ceiling (with circular holes for the candelabra) above the auditorium but the stage has none. The proscenium has two side doors and two balconies above and is the only original one in the world. The stage has the three customary traps and is original. Careful restoration under expert advice has been carried out,

The Turf Hotel and Theatre Royal form a group

Listing NGR: NZ1718900797