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History Of The Royal Theatre, Bath

INTRODUCTION

In 1700, Bath had a population of 3000 and was still a provincial, walled town. People came there to take the waters as a cure for arthritis and rheumatisms. Queen Anne was amongst these visitors in 1702 and 1703, and her visit made the city popular. Throughout the 18th century, the number of visitors rapidly increased and Bath became a city of pleasure_the elite would come there to spend the summer season bathing, playing cards, arranging marriages, going to concerts or to the theatre. Master of ceremonies "Beau" Nash, who, by imposing polite manners, greatly contributed to the increasing popularity of Bath, organized all these entertainments.
By 1800 the city housed 35000 people, but it was already past its peak of popularity. During the Victorian period Bath declined and became solely a retirement place as its highest visitors moved to Brighton and Cheltenham. It was only revived in the late 1800s, when archeological discoveries and improvements in the SPA attracted new visitors.
As well as changes in Bath, the 18th and 19th centuries saw many national changes, such as the industrial revolution. All these historical events affected all social activities in Bath, and particularly the theatre. By looking at its history, we will see that there was a close link between historical influences and the development of the Bath theatre_in fact, most changes in the theatre's site, building, fabric, audience or plays were directly due to historical events.

THE THEATRE FIRST COMES TO BATH

Bath's first permanent theatre was built in 1705 in Parsonage Lane. Before, the Guildhall had been used as a theatre. However, in 1702-1703, Queen Anne visited the city. This affected the theatre because it made Bath popular, therefore increasing the number of visitors to the city, and to the theatre. Soon, the Guildhall became too small and the Parsonage Lane theatre was built by George Trim, the builder of Trim Street.
This theatre was more...