Special Collections: Drama, Music and Theatre History

Introduction to the Theatre Royal (Exeter)

The first Theatre Royal in Exeter opened in 1821 as a successor of the New Theatre which was gutted by fire in 1820. The Theatre Royal had its home at West Southernhay/Bedford Circus, but was likewise destroyed by fire in 1885. The Exeter Theatre Company was formed, and the second Theatre Royal opened in Longbrook Street in 1886. This theatre also burned to the ground in 1887 in tragic circumstances, with the (New) Theatre Royal opening on the same site in 1889. The theatre went into decline in the 1950s and was demolished in 1962, to be replaced by an office block. The present Northcott Theatre (situated on the University of Exeter main campus) opened to all intents and purposes as its successor in 1967.

The theatre ran productions of all kinds, ranging from plays, musicals, variety and pantomimes, with occasional ballets, operas and film showings. The theatre closed regularly every summer, and staged a huge pantomime each Christmas. These ran for one or two months and were very popular. As well as the home repertory company, touring companies also visited, including the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company with the great comic actor Sir Henry Lytton. Many other famous theatre names guested, including Harold Neilson, Mrs Patrick Campbell, local-born Violet Vanbrugh and Charles Hawtrey. Early appearances by Harry Secombe and Morecambe and Wise were also made.

You can find out more about the collections relating to the Theatre Royal held by Special Collections, which include a collection of 2,400 playbills, by browsing the boxes on this page.