3-021-632 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, 1865. 'The destruction of the Edinburgh Theatre by fire, in January last, will be remembered by the readers of this Journal...The present theatre, which stands on the same ground as the old one, though its internal structure affords much more accommodation both to the audience and the stage business, has been erected from the designs of Mr. David M'Gibbon, the architect. Its front is divided into two stages: the centre of the lower stage is occupied by a handsome portico surmounted by a balcony, and forming the box entrance; and on each side, separated by pilasters with Doric capitals, are the entrances to the amphitheatre, pit, and two shops...Over the second stage is a broad frieze, in which are three mezzanine windows, alternating with medallions. The medallions...contain respectively portraits of Moliere, Shakspeare, Dante, and Sir Walter Scott, beautifully carved in high relief by Mr. Rhind, sculptor...Much internal space has been obtained by doing away with two of the four shops which occupied the front part of the old building, and contracting as much as possible the dimensions of the two shops which have been constructed, one on each side of the box entrance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.