Theatre Royal

The historic St.Helens Theatre Royal is a comprehensively refurbished 700-seat theatre with a varied year-round programme of drama, dance, opera & musicals.

During the late eighteenth century St.Helens was a very different place from today,although industry was gradually changing the appearance of the rural fields and gardens in the centre of town. With an increase in population came the demand for popular entertainment which was usually supplied by the local public houses,not only in the form of ale but also as a venue for itinerant players. This soon gave way to temporary booths which were located near Church Street, with its orchards and gardens and provided spectacular shows performed by travelling actors. In 1847 it was decided that there was a demand for a more permanent structure so the first Theatre Royal was opened in Bridge Street, but was only a wooden building and must have resembled a large shed.
Demand soon outstripped this venue so a new theatre was built in Milk Street near the present Tyrers Store and formally opened in 1862. It became very popular with touring companies and featured famous names like Sir Henry Irving. 'Babes in the wood' , which opened in 1885 included Vesta Tilley in the cast.

Unfortunately the Theatre Royal was plagued with misfortune and yet another new building opened in Corporation Street but only lasted about ten years until it was burned down in 1899, probably as the result of the live fireworks used in a performance by the 'Klondyke Nugget Company'.

Yet another new theatre rose from the ashes in 1903 and witnessed performances by many famous artists. Joyce Grenfell delighted audiences along with George Formby, Gracie Fields, Ted Ray and Hilda Baker and a gallery of other household names. The century was not without its problems as part of the roof collapsed in 1945 probably as a result of structural damage caused by a bomb being dropped in nearby Charles Street during World War 11. A repaired Theatre Royal struggled on throughout the 1950's but dwindling audiences resulted in its closure. Fortunately Pilkington Bros.Ltd came to the rescue and financed yet another reconstruction, holding a grand opening in 1964, when it was thought to be the only industrially owned theatre in the country.

The remainder of the century witnessed many funding problems and again it was due to close its doors for the last time in 1984 but a grant from Merseyside County Council saved the day. Since that date many other problems have been overcome and once again the theatre has just been modernised, a now provides a vibrant array of productions to delight the senses!