The History and Antiquities of London, Westminster, Southwark, and Parts Adjacent, vol. 4
Allen, Thomas
1827
The Adelphi Theatre.
This theatre was commenced building in , by Mr. Scott, who kept a respectable dye and colour warehouse in , and was opened on the , as under the licence of the lord chamberlain, with a variety of mechanical and optical entertainments, songs, recitations, &c. | |
Mr. Scott finding the speculation answer, considerably enlarged the building, and on the commencement of the season introduced dramatic entertainments (written by Miss Scott) which were extremely well supported. | |
In , the whole of the south end next , was taken down, all the interior removed, and feet added to the length of the theatre; of which feet were given to the stage, and feet to the audience part; additional boxes were added; the front house next was purchased, and a new and handsome entrance made. | |
About , or , Mr. Scott disposed of the theatre to Messrs. Rodwell and Jones, for who spared no exertions to render it equal to contemporary establishments. Subsequently it came into the possession of Messrs. Terry and Yates, who purchased the premises in , for and engaged of the best companies ever met with in a minor house; it is now in the possession of Messrs. Matthews and Yates, and the company is fully equal to many that have appeared at the royal theatres. | |
The front towards is narrow, and fronted with compo. It has a neat portico of columns of the Doric order, supporting an architrave, on which is inscribed in raised letters The form of the interior is that of an elongated horseshoe. The proscenium, which is feet in width, has stage doors at the sides with boxes over each. Its cove is very handsomely ornamented. Both the orchestra and the pit, considering the smallness of the house, are very spacious; the latter contains seats for accommodating persons. There is full circle of boxes with an upper range on each side, on a line with the gallery. The gallery is large, and will contain about auditors. A handsome gas-lit chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, which is ornamented in a very appropriate manner. When full, the receipts amount to about l | |
At the farthest eastern extent of this parish is situated the | |
