Pavilion Theatre, Whitechapel facts for kids

The Pavilion Theatre was a famous theatre located at 191–193 Whitechapel Road in London. It was the very first big theatre to open in London's East End. Sadly, a fire destroyed it in 1856. But it was quickly rebuilt and reopened as the New Royal Pavilion Theatre, which entertained audiences until 1935.

A Look Back at the Pavilion Theatre's History

The Pavilion Theatre first opened its doors in 1827. It was built on the site of an old factory. This theatre was a really important place because it was the first large theatre in the East End of London. Its first managers were William Wyatt and John Farrell.

In its early days, the theatre offered a wide variety of shows. People could see amazing acts like the famous performer Ching Law Lauro and the strongman Signor Spelterini. There were also humorous plays and musical performances.

Early Performances and Shows

The theatre often featured exciting acts. For example, a performer named Mr. W. H. Williams would share "Observations from Real Life" and sing songs. They even had a special show called THE POLLY PACKET; or, Life between Decks, where Mr. Williams played seven different characters! Another popular show was THE PHANTASMAGORIA, which used cool optical tricks to show things like the Flying Dutchman and a phantom ship.

The Pavilion Theatre also hosted amazing equestrian artists, which means performers who did tricks with horses. Cooke's Celebrated Company of Equestrian Artists often performed there. They had acts like "The WILD INDIAN on his two rapid Steeds" and "PAUL PRY and his WIFE on HORSEBACK." There were also grand displays with many horses and even fireworks!

Legal Challenges for the Theatre

Running a theatre in those days wasn't always easy. The managers of the Pavilion Theatre faced some legal issues because they didn't have the right license to put on plays. Even though they had applied for a license, it was refused. However, they continued to put on shows. This led to them being taken to court. The court case was about whether they were allowed to have performances like singing and dancing without a proper license. In the end, the court decided that the specific charges against them were not correct, and they were found not guilty on that particular charge.

More Exciting Acts and Plays

After the legal issues, the theatre continued to bring new and exciting acts to its stage. Performers like M. Dupont would appear on two, three, four, and even six horses! There were also tightrope walkers like Miss Powell and Master Bridges. Miss Powell was known for her amazing performances on an elastic cord. The theatre also featured funny acts, like "the Astonishing Appearance of the Clown and his GRANDMOTHER, aged 102, on a Single Horse."

The Pavilion Theatre also showed new plays. For example, Alberti, or, the Mines of India by Elizabeth Polack was performed in 1834. Another play by Elizabeth Polack, Esther the Royal Jewess, or the Death of Haman, was a big success in 1835. This play was based on a story from the Old Testament and was known for its exciting "Exotic East" style.

Rebuilding and Later Years

On February 13, 1856, the first Pavilion Theatre was completely destroyed by a fire. But the theatre was quickly rebuilt and reopened in 1858 as the New Royal Pavilion Theatre. It was much bigger, able to hold about 3,500 people!

The theatre was made even better in 1871 by an architect named J. T. Robinson. After this, it could hold an amazing 4,000 people. Charles Dickens, Jr., who was the son of the famous writer Charles Dickens, described the Pavilion in 1879 as "A large East-end theatre capable of holding considerably over 3,000 persons. Melodrama of a rough type, farce, pantomime, &c." This means it was a huge theatre that showed exciting, dramatic plays, funny shows, and pantomimes.

In the early 1900s, the theatre became a very important place for Yiddish theatre. This was because many Jewish people lived in the area. It even helped start a new artistic group called the 'Whitechapel Boys'.

Over the years, the theatre was also known by other names, like the Royal Clarence Theatre and the Eastern Opera House. It kept operating until 1935. The building was finally taken down in 1962.

Images for kids

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  1855 playbill