Saunders’ Amphitheatre Stork Tavern Hotel

[Vivienne14]

This amphitheatre is mentioned on the Stork Tavern Hotel thread. It was situated in the yard of the Tavern and was a portable theatre having boxes, a gallery, pit and standing room.The theatre was also used for equestrian lessons, lectures and demonstrations on current scientific topics.

The notice below relates to performances from 24/11/1806.

Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

A couple of handbills from the early 1800s showing the range of acts appearing at the amphitheatre. The second is dated 29/12/1806.

Viv.

 

[Vivienne14]

This snippet is from Drama and the Industrial Revolution by Langford where the patronage of the Freemasons is described for a benefit performed at the amphitheatre. It was unusual for the masons to give support to a working class theatre such as this. Viv.