Article No 4 (1908)

The Following article appeared in the Crewe Chronicle 1st August 1908 on Page 8
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CREWE LYCEUM THEATRE
After 25 years Mr H Taylor J.P. has resigned his lessee ship of the Crewe Lyceum
Theatre and on Monday the management will be taken over by Mr H.G. Dudley
Bennett who will run it in conjunction with other theatres, The Shakespeare,
London; Opera House, Coventry & Opera House & Hippodrome Burton on Trent.

Mr Dudley Bennett has had a worldwide experience in the management of theatres
and he proposes to conduct the Crewe place of amusement on altogether new lines.
Already the interior of the building has undergone a transformation scene, and
when finished it should be one of the cosiest and prettiest little theatres in
this part of the country.

The whole of the inside has been re carpeted, re seated, re modelled,
re constructed, and re embellished, and the work has been exceedingly well done.
The predominating colours are red, white and gold, and under the shade of
clusters of electric jets the effect is very picturesque. Two large bars have
been erected; one up and the other down stairs, and these have been luxuriously
fitted up with the best of upholstering. The walls of the rooms are in Dutch
style, and in a short time some very handsome decorations are to be introduced.

The boxes have been enlarged and increased in number, and these have also
received every attention at the hands of the artiest. The beautiful rich
tapestries which will adorn the boxes have been procured at considerable
expense, in fact everything which Mr Bennett has set his hand to do he has done
it well, firmly believing in the principle that the best attracts. He will also
carry this out as regards the companies he intends bringing to Crewe. Nothing
but the best companies are on his books, and Crewe theatregoer have a rare treat
in store. Like everything else, the style of entertainment has been changed,
and variety entertainers of the best order will intersperse drama and opera. On
these occasions there will be two performances each night viz. 7: O Clock and
9: O Clock this idea will be put in force for the opening week, which commences
next Monday with "Darcy's Franco-British Circus". It is entirely a new thing and
since its start has met with great receptions.

Mr Dudley Bennett has Mr Howard as his resident manager in Crewe, and he will
also give Crewe playgoers the benefit of his vast experience. He has managed the
Royal in Hanley, Hippodrome Eastbourne, and the Eden, Brighton and is very
popular wherever he goes.

(With thanks to the Crewe Chronicle for reproduction of this article)

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