The Theatre.
THIS building, if we may credit the affirmation of Phillips, is part of
the ancient palace of the princes of Powisland; who in their frequent
transactions with the sovereigns of England, often resided at Shrewsbury.
John de Charlton, who married an heiress of the line of Powis, obtained a
license in 1308, to embattle this mansion, and hence it acquired the name
of Charlton Hall. In 1445, Henry Gray, Earl of Tankerville and of Powis,
granted the premises to Thomas Bromley; from whom, twenty-five years
after, they were demised to Nycholas Warynge, of Salop, merchant of the
staple of Calais. After various changes and transfers, it became the
property of the Waring family.
The ancient boundary walls of this mansion, inclosed all the space
contained between Cross Hill, St. John’s Hill, Murivance, or Swan Hill,
and Shoplache. The house doubtless formed one, if not two quadrangles,
which may still be traced. The most considerable remnant is a building
of red stone, in length 100 feet, and in breadth 31 feet, which is the
present Theatre. The side next the street has been plastered and washed
with stone colour, to give it the semblance of a modern front; but
surely, nothing was ever so disgraceful to the town as its present
appearance, especially when considered as a public building. The other
side exhibits the original walls with some blocked-up pointed arches, and
other features of high antiquity. It is probable, that in the old
edifice, this part was the great chamber, appointed according to the
usage of the times, for receiving company, and occasionally for
exhibiting shows and interludes. The interior being now fitted up as a
modern Theatre, retains few of its original appurtenances, except the
remains of a small spiral stone staircase. It consists of a pretty roomy
pit, a ground tier of boxes, with upper side boxes, and a tolerably
spacious gallery. The stage is well adapted to the size of the place,
and the decorations are in the usual style of provincial playhouses. The
same remark may apply to the performers, who are, generally of that
middling class, which consists of persons in their first career to
excellence, and of others that have got half-way, and remain stationary.
The taste of the Salopians being rather of the retired kind, which
delights most in domestic society, does not contribute much to encourage
dramatic exhibitions, and the house is scarcely ever crowded, except
during the race week, and in the summer visits of the London performers.
The audiences, however, if not numerous, are select; and it may be
mentioned to their honour, that they never tolerate any thing that
borders on buffoonery and indecorum. One of their most favourite plays,
for obvious reasons, is the first part of Henry IV. and when Jack
Falstaff talks of having fought Hotspur “a full hour by Shrewsbury
clock,” he never fails to draw down a thunder of applause.
Assembly Room.
An elegant apartment erected for this polite amusement, at the back of
the Lion inn, and is extremely commodious, having a gallery for the
musicians at the northern end. The dancing and card assemblies commence
in the month of September, and are held generally once a month. The town
and neighbourhood of Shrewsbury furnishing a variety of genteel society,
they are generally attended by a very numerous and respectable company.
They are supported by subscription.