Theatre Royal

The Theatre Royal stands on Corporation Street in Hyde, a Grade II listed Edwardian theatre built in 1902. It replaced an earlier theatre on Frank Street and was designed by Manchester architects Campbell and Horsley, with construction carried out by S. Robinson and Sons of Hyde. The opening night featured a Victorian French melodrama called Little Jim, followed by Shakespeare and other classics. In 1914 a movable screen was added to allow the theatre to operate as a cinema part-time, marking the start of its dual role. The theatre is notable for hosting performances by famous acts such as Laurel and Hardy, Enrico Caruso, Billy Connolly and Frank Randle during its peak years. Julie Andrews also made an early appearance there with her family. By the 1970s live performances declined, and the main auditorium became a full-time cinema called Royal 1, with a second cinema, Royal 2, built on the original stage area. The last live show was Annie Get Your Gun, and the final film shown was Disney’s The Jungle Book in 1993. Today the theatre remains a landmark in Hyde, though it has been closed for many years. Volunteers formed Theatre Royal Onward to campaign for its restoration and successfully secured Grade II listed status in 2000. The building has occasionally opened for Heritage Open Days, and supporters have gathered outside to voice their hopes for its revival. The campaign continues, drawing on memories and local pride to restore the theatre to its former glory.