Queens Theatre, Barnstaple

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The Queens Theatre, Barnstaple assumed its current form in 1993, but the history of theatre in Barnstaple can be traced back to at least 1435, when Minstrels, Players, Jugglers and Buffoons were an established feature of Barnstaple's annual fair. Documents indicate that in 1605 a touring troupe, the King's Players visited, and it is believed that William Shakespeare was one of their members.

John Gay, a renowned contributor the theatre world, best known for the 'Beggar's Opera' was born in Barnstaple. Barnstaple's first theatre was built in Honey Pot Lane (now Theatre Lane) in 1760.

By 1832 it had become 'ruinous' and was forced to close. A new theatre - 'The Grecian Hall' - opened 1834, renamed 'The Theatre Royal' around 1860, it regularly staged popular musicals and musical comedies.

By 1880 this too had closed, although performances continued at a large room above the Corn Market (the site of the present theatre) which had served as a music hall since 1854. The 'Theatre Royal' re-opened in 1893 and the music hall - now the 'Albert Hall' in 1897. The two venues operated successfully until just prior to before the First World War, when the 'Theatre Royal' was demolished.

The Albert Hall continued providing musical entertainment until 1941, when it was destroyed by fire - probably from a discarded cigarette.

In 1952 the hall was rebuilt (only the outer walls had survived the fire) as The Queen's Hall. Although with a plain and functional interior, it served the Barnstaple community, for a variety of purposes of live entertainment, antique markets, dog shows and similar functions for over forty years.

In 1993 the local council decided to fully refurbish the building, reopening as The Queens Theatre. The first production in the new facilities - the pantomime Snow White - opened on Christmas Eve that year.

This theatre, along with The Landmark, Ilfracombe is managed by The North Devon Theatres' Trust - a registered charity promoting the arts (including dance, drama, literature, music and singing) in North Devon.