Mexborough & Swinton Times — December 29, 1893

The Prince of Wales’ Theatre, Mexborough

We have pleasure in presenting to our readers the above picture of the Prince of Wales’ Theatre, which was opened last week, and which Mrs. Livesey has dedicated to the amusement of the people of Mexborough.

Externally the building is an exceedingly handsome one, but to the interior, which after all is of more importance from a playgoer’s point of view, the principal attention of the proprietress and her experienced manager, Mr. Venimore, has been turned.

The stage is complete in every detail, and large enough to display the finest effects of the best touring companies. Its floor dimensions are 50 feet to 30 feet, the height to grid 44 feet, and to the groove 18 feet.

The flies are so arranged as to render confusion among the scenery impossible, and the gas apparatus the latest and best obtainable, the stage being lighted by Tollerton’s patent flashing lights.

The auditorium is as well lighted as the stage, is comfortably seated, and will hold a thousand persons without the least crowding.

Mr. Venimore, who is a scenic artist of no mean order, has executed a set of stock scenes which for completeness and artistic conception would be hard to beat, and it is no idle boast to assert that the theatre possesses sufficient stock scenery of a high-class character to mount the best dramas on the road.

During the fortnight that has elapsed since the theatre was opened the house has been crowded every night, and there is no doubt from present indications that Mexborough Theatre will rapidly earn itself a reputation in the profession for the very best of “good houses.”

We are indebted to Mr. Payne, of Doncaster-road, Mexborough, for photograph of the above building.