Article No 6 (1911) THE NEW THEATRE BUILT IN 1911 In the Guardian (Crewe & Nantwich) Newspaper Friday 1 September 1911 the following article appeared on Page 4 The article also included the first picture of the interior of the theatre and a picture of Mr Edward Compton. THE NEW THEATRE CREWE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATTRACTIVE WINTER PROGRAMME The New Theatre, Crewe which has just been completed, has been erected on the site of the former Theatre, The Building has been planned on the most admirable lines, the ambitions of the proprietors and lessee has been to have a thorough up to date theatre in every respect, and special consideration has been given to the safety and comfort of patrons. Ample and properly constructed staircases and emergency exits from each part of the house have been provided, together with a double asbestos and steel framed fireproof curtain, and fire hydrants of the latest type. The decorations, upholstering and furnishing through out are of the most sumptuous description and have been carried out in the free renaissance design. The Orchestra and pit stalls are upholstered in rich cerise with tip up seats and carpeted with Wilton carpet. At the top of the grand staircase has been provided a large foyer, decorated in Louis XV style, cream and gold, from which is entered the grand circle, where a perfect view's obtained from every seat. The Boxes on either side are decorated in heavy fibrous plaster, fitted with specially designed electric fittings. A fine promenade runs the length of the circle, from which a splendid and uninterrupted view of the proscenium and stage is obtainable. An emergency staircase is provided from here. From the grand foyer is entered the refreshment salon. The proscenium opening, boxes, circle and gallery tiers are richly decorated and fitted with beautiful electric fittings. The ceiling of the auditorium is an outstanding feature with its cone and massive drops of electric lights, and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the provinces. The same scheme is treated everywhere in the upholstering of the foyer, stalls and grand circle - tip up seats in cerise and richly carpeted in the best Wilton throughout. The proscenium drapes, tableaux curtains, boxes and entrance doorway have been treated in rich plush. The Gallery is approached by a four foot inside staircase and will seat between 600 and 700 people. Large emergency exits are provided capable of emptying this part of the house in a very few seconds. There is a refreshment saloon. Spacious standing room is provided and a perfect view of the stage is guaranteed from every seat position. The stage measures 56ft by 32 ft and proscenium opening 29ft by 24ft and is equipped with all the latest stage improvements and is entirely cut off from the auditorium by the fireproof curtain. Every possible consideration has been given to the artists for whom are provided numerous well, vented dressing rooms decorated in a light artistic green ground. There is ample exit in case of emergency. The building is heated and ventilated in the most up to date manor, and the entire work has been carried out from the plan of Mr Albert Winstanley, of 49 Deansgate, Manchester and St Annes-on-Sea. The general contract has been carried out by Mr Yoxhall of Stoke; The electric lighting by Messrs Carrington and Button of Crewe, heating apparatus installed by Walter Button of Crewe, ventilating by Messrs Hargreeves of Bury; Fibrous plaster work by Messrs Alberti, 1 Oxford Street, Manchester, and the whole of the decorating, carpeting seating and general finishing including the fireproof curtain by Messrs F Wilkins and Company, Duke Street, Liverpool. A spacious veranda well lighted with electric lamps and surmounted with electric flame arcs runs through the length of the frontage and main entrance, which admits to the stalls, pit stalls and grand circle as the former buildings. On the 4th the theatre will be opened by the well known London manager, Mr Edward Compton, supported by his west end London Company, in the famous play based on Charles Dickens world famed "Tale of two cities" entitled "All for Her ". There will be 6 nightly performances at 7.30 and one matinee on Wednesday at 2.30 the play "All for Her" was originally produced at the mirror theatre in 1875 the authors being Palgrave Simpson and Herman Merivale. Mr Compton will appear as Hugh Trevor, the self-sacrificing hero, the part originally played by John Clayton, and in which he made one of his biggest successes. The role is highly suited to Mr Compton and gives fine scope for the actor's polished art. Mr Victor Moors will appear as Radford the spy, whilst Mr Lawrence Robbins will appear as Lord Edendale. Miss Mary Forbes who made such a decided success in "The Terrorist" at the Duke of York's theatre with Mr Lawrence Irving last spring, will appear as lady Marsden and Miss Emelie Polini who is no stranger here, will play Mary Rivers. Mr Compton is bringing with him special elaborate scenery for this revival and is carrying all the special properties for the Carlisle Jail and Edendale abbey scenes. Mr H.G. Dudley Bennett, the lessee who is also the proprietor of the Shakespeare Theatre Clapham, Opera House Burton on Trent, and numerous other enterprises promises us the very best of talent both dramatic and vaudeville, and lovers of variety entertainment and drama in Crewe will both amply have their tastes satisfied. Among the many attractions booked are the Great Daly's theatre success "The Cincalee ", the Crewe Amateur Operatic Society in "Maritana" which will be performed in aid of local charities. In fact Mr Dudley Bennett assures us that the latest of every London success will appear in the future, and that it will be his sole aim to study the comfort and convenience of his patrons in every detail and in return he looks to the Crewe public to give him that support that would justify him in procuring companies that he would otherwise be unable to do. We wish Mr Dudley Bennett and the Theatre a prosperous and successful carrier. (With thanks to the Crewe Chronicle for reproduction of this article) ------------------------Article Ends--------------------------------------------