The workshop includes a presentation with overhead projections tracing the extraordinary history of theatre in Manchester from the First Exchange in Market Street in 1729 to the present day.
The topics we cover include:
The Georgian Theatre, Stage lighting from candles to electricity, Actor Managers of the 19th century, Travelling theatre companies, Victorian spectacular theatre, the work of actor / manager, Charles Calvert at the Princes Theatre, Annie Horniman, the Gaiety Theatre and the birth of Repertory Theatre Movement, Henry Irving and the Theatre Royal and Music Halls in Manchester – ‘the stars that tread the boards’
The walk we take is from the Palace Theatre on Oxford Street to the Grand Theatre close to the intersection with Deansgate passing the sites of The Manchester Hippodrome, St James’ Theatre and Opera House, The Princes Theatre, The Cass Music Hall, The Library Theatre, The Gentlemen’s Concert Hall, Midland Theatre, Comedy Theatre/The Gaiety, Cookes Circus, 3rd Theatre Royal, Free Trade Hall, Alexandra Music Hall and the Grand Pavilion & Palace of Varieties
We shall hopefully take a peek inside the Theatre Royal on Peter Street, Manchester’s oldest surviving theatre which has an illustrious history of Shakespeare productions, great actors of the 19th century, grand opera and ballet.
A comprehensive pack of information on theatre in Manchester and related topics with copies of articles taken from the Central Library’s Theatre Archive will be available on the day.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided during the day but you might like to bring a packed lunch. The event lasts approximately 4.5 hours
This event must be booked by phone on 0161 236 7110
Please note that the booking number runs a limited service, if there is no answer, advice will be given on alternatives.