The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1846-03-17 00:00:00

THE " NEW" THEATRE IN CHRISTIAN-STREET.

The theatre in Christian-street, recently known as
" The Queen's," and in former years (when it was a win-
ter adjunct to the then only " Theatre-Royal," and un-
der the same proprietary) as" the Circus," has for a con-
siderable time past been, through the enterprise of new
parties, undergoing a renovation and change in every de-
partment (even in name), which promises to render it an
entirely new and respectable place of recreation, and, at
the same time, through its exterior adjuncts, to be an
adornment and an example to the locality.
The inn, forming the distinguishing frontage, has been,
we may say, remodelled and beautified, presenting, in
place of the former plain brick building, a highly orna-
mental facade, of greater elevation, in the decorative
" composite" or Italian style, with handsome cornicing,
and an entablature and coping to be surmounted by three
classical figures in statuary. The entrance has been en-
larged, and its cornicing, as well as that of the windows, is
architecturally enriched by florid trusses. The building
presents two small wings ; the corners are embellished
with rusticated quoins ; the lower windows glazed with
huge sheets or plate glass; on the attic appears in Grecian
raised letters the inscription " Royal Adelphi Theatre;"
and the whole has a novel and pleasing effect. It should
be stated that the former internal communication with
the theatre (which was in many points objectionable) is
cut off; so that it stands in its integrity as an inn, so
newly planned and improved within (with a coffee-room
below, and a spacious saloon above), that various grades
of customers can be adequately and separately accommo-
dated.
The theatre itself, which was originally one of the best..
planned in this country, had become, from neglect and
disuetude, much out of repair; and it has outwardly and
' inwardly been entirely redeemed and highly improved at
a great outlay. The box and pit entrances arc still from
Christian-street, but " the gods" must make their " en-
trances and exits" by a separate wide passage in Mans-
field-street, which will prevent confusion of classes. The
lobbies are most spacious; a new and approved system of
ventillation has been introduced, and no pains have been
spared to ensure the comfort and convenience of all. The

Pit, boxes, and gallery have been fitted up with much
taste and judgment. The style of ornament adopted is of
the Elizabethan order, rich in ornament, and light and
cheerful in colouring. The procenium has been raised by
eight feet, and every one seated in the house will have a
full view of the whole scenery and performances. The
stage department has a decided advantage over tbat of the
other theatres in the town, in receding much further back,
so that processional and distant scenes may be brought
out to great advantage. The pit has been renewed on an
incline, which admits of every one obtaining a distinct and
easy view and hearing, independent of huge bonnets,
should they unhappily again come into vogue. The lights,
amongst which is a splendid central chandelier, are dis-
posed in a novel and brilliant manner. The stage, the
machinery, and all the scenery are new and beautiful ; and
the drop scene, yet unfinished, will be in itself a chef
d' ceuvre.

Mr. W. J. Hammond is the lessee, and he purposes to
engage the first-rate talent of the land in the legitimate,
as well as the lighter walks of the drama. Amongst the
first performers announced are the Miss Cushmans, Ma-
dame Celeste, and Mr. Webster. There will be an excel-
lent orchestra, conducted by the zealous Mr. Cummins,
second leader of the Metropolitan Italian Opera. Many
distinguished families and individuals, becoming aware of
the spirited operations in course of completion, have al-
ready declared their intended patronage, apd the " Royal
Adelphi," will assuredly put all the other " Royals" upon
their mettle.