Rediscovery and Restoration
Through the second half of the 19th century the theatre building was used for other purposes. It was not rediscovered and restored as a playhouse until the mid 20th century.
The Decline of the Theatre
The theatre was used regularly by the Butler company until 1830, but then its use declined.
Mrs Butler and Samuel Junior kept the company and its circuit going through the 1820s, however in 1830 they did not renew their lease for the Richmond Theatre.
The military garrison and the racecourse had closed. Lead mining and sheep farming were in decline, reducing the wealth and population of the town and audience numbers for the theatre dwindled.
At liberty for the season (1832-06-12)Georgian Theatre Royal
The Theatre was used occasionally by other companies and managers.
Sometimes the theatre was hired by local people for performances.
The Theatre Closes
In 1848 the Theatre finally closes. The pit was covered over and made into a wine store, whilst the upper part of the theatre was used as an auction house.
Theatre building before it was restored (1930/1940)Georgian Theatre Royal
Over the next 100 years, the building served a variety of purposes. It was used as a store for grain, paper and furniture.
Rediscovering the Theatre
In 1939 pupils at Richmond School led by their history master, Edwin Bush, investigate the building and its history.
David Brooks, Richmond's town clerk encouraged the building to be re-used as a theatre as part of celebrations of one of the town's charters in 1943.
As part of celebrations in commemoration of a town charter, a curtained stage was set up and the building was used for performances during 1943.
1943 Production (1943)Georgian Theatre Royal
A curtained stage was set up for performances of three plays.
Juliet Box in use in the 1940s (1943-1944)Georgian Theatre Royal
Georgian Theatre Royal Programme of Plays (1944-08-06) by Teesdale Mercury, Barnard CastleGeorgian Theatre Royal
A further performance took place on August 6th, after which the stage curtain was once more taken down.
Investigating the Theatre
After the war, the building and what remained of the 18th century playhouse began to be seriously investigated.
Dr Richard Southern, a theatre historian, together with the architect, Richard Leacroft carried out extensive research into the building's history.
The rediscovery of The Georgian Theatre Royal pit (1940/1950)Georgian Theatre Royal
The pit was rediscovered. When the lower part of the building was converted to a wine cellar, the pit had been covered up and brick vaults constructed below the new floor.
Appeal for Restoration
Lady Nancy Crathorne, wife of Richmond’s MP, launches a successful fundraising appeal to restore the Theatre.
The pit was uncovered and benches were added as part of the renovation of the theatre.
Gala Celebration
The restoration was completed In 1963 and the re-opening of the theatre was celebrated with a gala performance.
The Princess Royal at the Gala Opening 1963 (1963-05-05)Georgian Theatre Royal
The opening was attended by the Princess Royal.
The gala performance is led by Dame Edith Evans and Dame Sybil Thorndyke.
Images from the archive of The Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.
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