Page 10 - CR31R.pdf
P. 10
No. 232 Bourke Street
The Theatre Royal Australasian Post,
Article from the
10 July 1993.
By Fred Page
The magazine cutting reproduced on the opposite page was recently given to
me by a neighbour. Together with the banner headline “Sex On The Stage”
and the article branding the Theatre Royal as a “saddling paddock” I just had
to investigate the theatre’s history!
he first substantial Theatre stalls, dress circle, upper circle and cover their expenses for the week. The
Royal opened on 16 July 1855 gallery. There were separate entrances fortune that Coppin made enabled him
Tat 232 Bourke Street. There was for different classes of patrons. Gallery to move into real estate, notably in the
an earlier venue that went under several and pit patrons sat on backless wooden Sorrento area, and in later life to be a
names including Theatre Royal at 285 forms. considerable benefactor to the people
Bourke Street which was later the site Within three months the theatre was of Melbourne.
of the Britannia Theatre. in financial trouble in spite of staging The Coppin-Brooke partnership
The first performance in the new quality shows with reputable artists. survived until February 1859 when
Royal — which was built by John (Was the “saddling paddock” the Brooke took sole possession of the
Black, a carrier who made his fortune cause?!) Royal, and Coppin their other former
on the goldfields — was School For The ownership then passed to joint assets. As Coppin and Brooke
Scandal starring G H Rogers with Mrs actor/manager George Coppin and his were relatives by marriage, their
Charles Poole. new partner Gustavus Vaugun Brooke. separation was not long lasting. By
The theatre could accommodate Their reputation on the stage was such December 1860 they were acting
3,300 people in four levels; pit and that the takings for one night could together again at the Royal.
Theatre Royal 1861.
Photo: Courtesy Fred Page
Collection.
10 Spring 2001 CINEMARECORD
