Talk:Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen

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[edit] Claim to be "oldest"

I'm uncomfortable about describing the Tivoli as "Aberdeen's oldest theatre". Since it's not currently a theatre (or even a theatre building, given the bingo modifications), I'd argue it would be more accurate to say: "Aberdeen's oldest surviving purpose-built theatre building" — or preferably a shorter wording! Basically His Majesty's Theatre may well be currently "Aberdeen's oldest theatre".

But here's the more severe problem: I believe there was an even earlier, older theatre which, if we're going to include the now-closed Tivoli, has equal claim to be considered. Under Marishal Street, there's a plaque to something like "Old Theatre Wynd"... and I'm sure it talks about Aberdeen's first theatre, and it having been there. I'm going to pop along there today and get the exact wording, and hopefully dates. But I wanted to raise it on this talk page in case anybody else has any better knowledge of this than me, before I make any changes. – Kieran T ^{(talk | contribs)} 13:46, 12 May 2006 (UTC)

Okay, there was indeed an earlier theatre, but the wording of the sign hints that it may have been in some way the same establishment, having been established on one site and moved to another... here is the text:

"THEATRE LANE. In 1795 the Theatre Royal, seating 600, was created in Marischal Street by Stephen Kemble, brother of the actor John Philip Kemble. Eminent performers included Charles Macready and Charles Keen. The theatre flourished until 1872 when it was replaced by Her Majesty's Opera House, later the Tivoli, in Guild Street."

So although there's some ambiguity, this article certainly needs some modification. I'll change the wording sufficiently to remove anything which might be false, and hopefully find a reference book which clarifies why and how the "replacement" happened. – Kieran T ^{(talk | contribs)} 21:02, 12 May 2006 (UTC)