Early theatres

When we talk about 'theatre' it represents two isues, Performance and the buildings themselves.  The above covers the subject partially.  Performance theatre may have started even earlier than the penny gaffs as the affluent of the burgeoning industrial town would have had soiree's or recitals, even readings, in their drawing rooms.   Public Houses were known also to have performance of popular songs of the day etc.   Then along came the gaffs.

Theatres: Mention of the Victoria Hall staging theatre is correct however it cannot be regarded as a theatre as such.  It was a public hall licenced for a multitude of events etc.  It became a cinema in 1920.  It was never a theatre as such although the Alfred Baily years could have used it in that way.   The first purpose-built theatre was the one built by the Paynes (penny gaff proprietors) The Avenue Theatre in Russell Street later Coliseum/Savoy)l opened 3rd August 1903. which is not mentioned in the above text.  Oddly enough it was listed as a Music Hall for many years.  It never was.

As for cinema.  True the Victoria Hall did show 'living pictures' first with visiting Bioscopes.  It had no cinematograph equipment installed.  The first purpose-converted cinema building was the Corn Market Hall on the Market Place which became Vint's Electric Palace in 1909 which by the way also staged variety.

First feature film at the Victoria Hall was probably a religious subject, silent with live accompaniment and singers.  If over 30 minutes in showing time it would have been classed as a feature.   It would have been projected by a visiting Bioscope as afore stated.