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THEATRES

DOCK / DEVONPORT THEATRE

Updated:  19 September 2011 

In 1762 the Dock Theatre was opened in Cumberland Gardens, Plymouth Dock.  It naturally became the Devonport Theatre when the Town received its new name on January 1st 1824.  One lessee of the Theatre dubbed it the "Theatre Royal" purely for the spurious reason that 'it's a good travelling name and avoids enquiries'.  

Prices of admission ranged from 6d for the gallery to 2s 6d for a private box.  It was here that Miss Sarah Siddons appeared in 1785 as Lady Macbeth.

The Theatre's most famous manager was Mr James Doel.  Born at Devonport, he started out as a comedian but became a legitimate actor and played with the biggest names of the times.  

The Theatre was rebuilt in 1879 after a fire but was closed again by 1890.  The Devonport Theatre was demolished in 1899.

Sources (incomplete):

[1]  ?

©  Brian Moseley, Plymouth, UK

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