- Grand Opera House (York)
The Grand Opera House is a theatre in the City of
York ,England . It is currently operated as part of theLive Nation UK group. It plays host to touring productions of plays, musicals,opera andballet , one-off performances bycomedian s, and other theatrical and musical events.Origins
The Grand Opera House was not originally built as a theatre. It was a conversion of two buildings, one a warehouse, the other a Corn Exchange designed by G. A. Dean in 1868. The architect, Mr J. P. Briggs of London, was commissioned to perform the conversion, which took three months and cost £24,000. The theatre opened as The Grand Theatre and Opera House on
20 January 1902 with a performance of a pantomime ("Little Red Riding Hood "), starringFlorrie Forde .History
* "
17 July 1902 ": the first public performances of films in York. Professor Herbert's animated pictures displayed in his 'Biograph Box' The showing of films at the venue became a permanent feature from 1903-1916.
* "1903": the theatre was renamed as the Opera House and Empire Theatre. This was an economic move to attract a mass audience, as smoking was not permitted in high-class theatres but was in music hall type venues; smoking was very fashionable at this time.
* "1909": a major redecoration of the building was undertaken.
* "1916": the theatre was now known as the Empire Theatre.
* "1958": Ernest Shepherd of the Shambles bought the theatre, now called the S. S. Empire [Shepherd of Shambles] . The stage and the rake to the Stalls floor were removed to give a level surface for roller skating, bingo and wrestling bouts. The theatre remained in this configuration until 1985 when it closed for business.
* "1987": the property was purchased by the India Pru Company Ltd. who renovated the building and restored the decor to its 1909Art Nouveau style.
* "September 26 1989 ": the theatre reopened as The Grand Opera House with a performance of "Macbeth ". After two years with mounting debts the theatre suddenly closed without warning.
* "26 February 1993 ": the theatre reopened again, retaining the name of The Grand Opera House.References
*cite book | last = Evans | first = Antonia (ed)| title =The York Book | publisher =Blue Bridge | location =York|year = 2002 | id =ISBN 0-9542749-0-3
External links
* [http://www.GrandOperaHouseYork.org.uk Official Website]
* [http://s119102005.websitehome.co.uk/curtains_detail.asp?theatreName=&town=1661&originalDateFrom=&originalDateTo=&architect=&Search=Search&ID=2157 Theatres Trust description]
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