Article No 2 (1887) In the Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle of the 26th November 1887 the following Item was published on Page 5. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE LYCEUM, CREWE The New Theatre in Heath street, Crewe which occupies an extended site where the old Lyceum Theatre, whose name it takes, formerly stood, was opened for the first time on Monday night. The erection of a fine building and the construction of a stage on plans similar to those adopted for the well-known theatres in large towns was a great enterprise for the company of local men of business to undertake, but the directors did not take the first steps before knowing full well the desires of many lovers of the stage and the companies wishing to appear before Crewe audiences; and now that the result of the undertaking is such a great reality there is much to be said in favour of it. The public of Crewe will be able to boast of an institution as at any rate a good ornament to their town, where, without being relieved by such large structures, there is too much sameness in the style of the building. Then in regard to its architectural description much may be said and a good deal learned, and the stage arrangements will certainly be admired by any and all belonging to the theatrical profession who may be engaged here, whilst the accommodation for the audiences or "Houses" is provided for almost to perfection. So much is to be said in commendation without taking into account the pleasure to be experienced by the public in being able to assemble to witness some excellent performances, which are, mentioned in future programmes. Of course some people have their scruples with regard to the production of plays, and some object to "The Stage" altogether; but even they must have confidence in the directors as men of unquestionable ability and determination to have careful management in every detail and good conduct, which above all things can be relied upon. A description of the theatre as already appeared fully in the Chronicle. On the opening night there was a very large audience, but all seats were not filled. The lifting of the curtain was the signal for an outburst of loud applause, which was renewed on the appearance of a party of vocalists, locally known, who sang the National anthem. Shortly afterwards the drama "IN THE RANKS" (by G.R. Sims and Henry Pettitt) was opened. The performers being Messrs Miller and Elliston's specially organised London Company. "In the ranks" is now well known and has been described by critics as " Decidedly a cleverly ingenious and well written piece, abounding in smart trenchant dialogue and sparkling with epigrams - decidedly a powerful drama" we can only add that the first representation of it at Crewe was a great success. The Following was the dramatic personae -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARACTER ACTOR Ned Drayton Mr A Clifton Alderson Gideon Blake Mr Henry F Mc Clelland Captain Holdcroft Mr Herbert Montague Farmer Herrick Mr Peter Harmer Joe Buzzard Brian Mc Cullough Colonal Wynter Mr R Liston The hop Picher Mr T Moreton Powell Sergeant Searle Mr T Longton Mr Timmins Mr P White Mr Leachmere Mr Percival Romaine Warder Mr H Brownlow Old Thomas Mr C Masters O Flanigan Mr James Mc Larand Barker Mr John East Working man Mr L Howell Villiage Constable Mr A Bravington The Tiger Mr Cameron Morgan O'Leary Mr W Davidson Ruth Herrick Miss Nellie Lawrence Mrs Buzzard Miss Emma Heffer Barbara Herrick Miss Nellie Nelson Mrs Timmins Miss May Thorne Polly Timmins Miss Bessie Sabine Mrs Whiffin Miss Leah Marlborough Mrs Grindle Miss Barron Dinah Miss Hopewell Mrs O Flanigan Miss Rossalind Becket Soldiers -- Members of the 2nd Cheshire engineers and 5th battalion Cheshire Rifle Volunteers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The principle characters were sustained all through in admirable manner, the leading members of the company displaying such ability and power that they had frequently to appear before the curtain to bow their acknowledgements of deafening plaudits with which the audience again and again manifested its delight. To the unmistakable success of the performance those who had the construct the scenic arrangements contributed in a very large measure. The rapid changing of the scenery, which was entirely new, included a dozen magnificent scenes with mechanical effects, was managed with wonderful quickness, gaols being turned inside out and outside in, and barrack yards and buildings being converted into interiors of humble dwellings in a way that could not be expected to be improved on any stage, without exception. "The Wood" and the "Village church" were in particular most beautifully and effectively placed upon the boards. Mr Charles Brew the resident scenic artist. The Orchestra was occupied by Mr T. H. Wood's band of about a dozen instrumentalists, who during the evening discoursed some charming music. There has been large attendance's every night during the week. The directors have already profited by the few nights experience, and made considerably more room for the orchestra stall patrons. The dress circle accommodation will be curtailed, the "Gods" getting the benefit of it. The "Pittites" have already had four rows of seats added to their accommodation. Much has been done to prevent the possibility of drafts, and nothing is being left undone to render the theatre thoroughly comfortable in every part for all patrons. (With thanks to the Crewe Chronicle for reproduction of this article) ------------------------Article Ends--------------------------------------------