A GROUP of students have been digging into the archives to unearth the history surrounding the Citadel Arts Centre’s history as the Theatre Royal.

The theatre has had a presence in the town centre since the early 1840s, but has had a collection of different identities, as 15 young people at the have been learning as part of the Heritage Working Party.

The students received training in the use of both mechanical and computer based micro film readers in preparation for detailed research into the Citadel’s history as the theatre.

Training was carried out at Theatresearch at St Helens Local History & Archives Library.

Here is a statement of the information they found: “Just as it is today, the populace of the area enjoyed drinking and being entertained.

“Early music halls were simply back rooms of local pubs, where a small stage was built and locals would take their ‘turn’ to get up and sing, dance or tell a few jokes.

“Many of the most famous music hall acts came from such humble beginnings.”

The first ‘Theatre Royal’ was a barn-like construction which was built on marshy and damp land near to the site of the current Running Horses fun pub.

It was constructed in the early 1840s. Little information is known about this early construction; however it appears to have been run by ‘amateurs’.

The building is noted as being in a generally poor state of repair with severe damp issues; not good considering the structure was entirely built from wood.

“Not surprisingly, the building was deemed unsafe and by 1856 had closed. A new theatre was needed for the town.”

Researchers found that in 1860 local solicitor Thomas Haddock purchased a plot of land on the corner of Milk Street and Waterloo Street that is believed to have stood empty.

Haddock commissioned architects E Beattie & Son to design the theatre. It was to be a permanent brick building and quite a grand affair, based on the designs of the Liver Theatre on Church Street in Liverpool.

The research added: “The original advert was in the St Helens newspaper in April 1862 for the opening night of the new Theatre Royal.

“The theatre was opened by Messrs Johnson and Francis and was described as a ‘temple of amusement’. It is noted as having boxes, pit and gallery which ‘command a full view of the amusements on all parts of the stage’.

“It also comments on the quality of the stage, costumes and decorations. The first performance is noted as Hamlet, Prince of Denmark with the role of Hamlet taken by Mr J W Ennis. Mr Ennis also appears in the leading role in the following two plays, The Carpenter of Rouen and Eustache – quite a busy week.

“It is also noted that the police will be in attendance to enforce the rules laid down by the management.”