PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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THE PANTOMIME "CINDERELLA" The Grand Theatre in Union Street, Stonehouse, opened its doors on Thursday December 26th 1889, Boxing Night. When the doors opened at 6pm there was such a rush to get in that the Theatre was soon filled to capacity and the pantomime, "Cinderella", was started thirty minutes early. Many people had to have their money refunded because they could not get into the Dress Circle. Written by Mr G V Keast, the author of many enjoyable pantomimes, the show was stage managed by Mr Augustus Connelly. The principal parts were played by Miss Bella Bashall as Cinderella, Miss Hetty Chapman as Prince Charming, and Mr Connelly, presumably as Buttons. The famous Rose and Violet Tyrrel ballet troupe and the Leopold Leglere acrobats also appeared. The panto was acted in 17 scenes and the backdrops depicted familiar local places: Cremyll Beach, Mount Edgcumbe Park and Devonport Market. Clever and spectacular effects were produced and the transformation scene, ‘The Birth of Venus’, in which a large number of fairies appeared with electric light stars, was described as 'charming'. Mr Frank Reed, the Theatre's musical director, composed the overture and incidental music and conducted the orchestra. The show finished at 11pm and it was reported at the time that the Theatre was emptied in less than three minutes. "Cinderella" ended its run on February 15th 1890 and during the last week the instructors from HMS Cambridge provided the cutlass drill during the palace scene. Also during that week the boys from the training ships HMS Lion and HMS Impregnable were invited to see the show and they marched to the Theatre with banners and bands. Afterwards the panto company were entertained on board HMS Impregnable by the officers and in the evening the ladies of the company appeared on the stage with Impregnable ribbons pinned on their breasts in recognition of the compliment.
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