Standing here in the 1860s, the Corinthian columns of the Victoria Assembly Rooms and Theatre would have towered above you. Over the stage were the words, ‘Our true intent is all for your delight’. After fire devoured the interior in May 1896, it was rebuilt and renamed the Lyceum.
Ice-shows, musicals, dramas, ballet and circuses were familiar 1950s fare. One manager recalls an elephant too big to fit on stage that had to be paraded in the street between shows.
The theatre shut in February 1961 making way for the latest crazes... bingo and movies.