THE THEATRE.
When man is contemplated in the character of a being, who can be successfully addressed by an appeal to the passions and the understanding, the Drama, under proper restrictions, may be rendered serviceable.
I have heard
That guilty creatures, sitting at a play,
Have, by the very cunning of the scene,
Been struck so to the soul, that presently
They have proclaim’d their malefactions.Shakspeare.
The old building used for the purpose of dramatic performance in this town, is said to have formed part of a royal dwelling of the Princes of Powys Land. Having long been ruinous, it was purchased by Mr. Bennett, the manager, and taken down in 1833. The erection of the present theatre on its site has been an important improvement to the thoroughfare leading to St. John’s Hill and the Quarry, as well as an ornament to the town. It forms a centre and two wings; the lower part consists of a rusticated base, upwards of 100 feet in length, fitted up as shops, with a house for the manager. Above is a continued string-course, from which rises two pilasters in each wing, supporting a frieze and cornice.
The windows are finished with architraves, and the front of the building displays three niches, containing statues of the immortal bard Shakspeare and of the Comic and Tragic Muse, executed in compos by Mr. James Parry, a native of this town.
The interior of the theatre is conveniently arranged: in the centre is a dome, and the ceiling richly decorated with appropriate devices. The building is creditable to the taste of Mr. Bennett, whose spirited undertaking in this public improvement will no doubt be appreciated by the lovers of the drama. The new structure was opened Sept. 8th, 1834, under the patronage of the Mayor.