History of The Queens Theatre

Earliest records suggest festivals developing in celebration of Barnstaple's annual fair as far back as 1435, when merchants brought with them Minstrels, Players, Jugglers and Buffoons to amuse onlookers. As a thriving trading port, Barnstaple attracted a broad range of multi-cultural traders developing the town's reputation for festival events. It is documented that a festival in 1605 attracted the touring King's Players to the town and it is thought that a certain William Shakespeare performed with them!

Barnstaple has produced its own notable contributors to the world of theatre including John Gay, best known for the 'Beggar's Opera'. With the rise of puritanism in the early 17th century, theatrical activities declined until a popular resurgence finally saw Barnstaple's first theatre built in Honey Pot Lane (now Theatre Lane) in 1760, six years ahead of Bristol's first theatre.

Sadly by 1832 it had become 'ruinous' and was forced to close. Plans for a new theatre in Boutport Street were drawn up and in 1834 the new 'Grecian Hall' opened. By 1860 it was renamed 'The Theatre Royal' and regularly staged popular musicals and musical comedies which were by far the era's best supported productions.

Within 20 years it also closed and performances were transferred to a large room above the Corn Market (the site of the present theatre) which since 1854 had been used as a music hall. The 'Theatre Royal' re-opened in 1893 and four years later the music hall also re-opened as the 'Albert Hall' to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The two venues ran side by side catering for all tastes until the 'Theatre Royal' was finally demolished before the First World War.

The Albert Hall, renowned for its opulent interior continued to provide musical entertainment up until 1941, when tragically it burned to the ground after a dropped cigarette at a late night dance took hold unnoticed behind the blacked out windows. All that remained were the outer walls in which we are today housed. In 1952 the hall was rebuilt and renamed The Queen's Hall. With limited funds its interior was plain, but it provided a multi-purpose function as the site of live entertainment, antique markets, dog shows and alike right up until 1993.

At this point the local council took the brave decision to close it down and refurbish the building to offer North Devon the beautiful theatre you see today. It opened its doors on Christmas Eve 1993 to a sell out production of Snow White and has been growing in stature ever since.

Queens Theatre Barnstaple

Albert Hall Interior

Theatre in 1940's

Theatre in 1941

Arts Council of England