New Theatre Royal - Lincoln

The last horseshoe theatre in existence.
Early 'theatre' in Lincoln was performed in Broadgate and the first permanent theatre in the City was built around 1731 by Erasmus Audley.
This small playhouse measured 22x8 yards and was situated near to the main entrance of the Castle and close to the Norman castle walls. Its access was too narrow for horse-drawn carriages so the ladies were carried in sedan chairs. The small lane became known as Drury Lane, named after a local businessman.
During the late 18th century, Lincoln Theatre was the headquarters of the Lincoln circuit, which included Grantham, Boston, Spalding, Peterborough, Huntingdon, Wisbech and Newark-on-Trent.
In 1764 a new theatre was formed by Mr Williams Herbert who had been manager of the Drury Lane theatre since 1750.
The new site was 'downhill' in the King's Arms Yard, off Butchery Street, now called Clasketgate, and consisted of a few small buildings.
Mr Herbert named the theatre 'The Theatre Royal' and continued to manage it until about 1783. Taken over by Mr James Whitely, and together with Mr Herbert's Players, the theatre continued until 1806 when demand was such that the theatre was rebuilt on the same