COVENT GARDEN THEATRE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 January 1928, Page 9

COVENT GARDEN THEATRE

AN HISTORIC BUILDING

TJKCENT papers from England stated that negotiations were well advanced for the sale of Covent Garden Theatre, probably, the most famous and. best' known house of entertainment within the whole of the British Empire. The authorities of Covent Garden Market a’re the prospective purchasers of the famous opera house, and the proposal is to demolish it in order to provide for an extension of the market. Other property in the neighbourhood, it is understood, is also being acquired for the same object. Recently Sir Arthur Wheeler, chairman of directors of Beeeham Estates, made the following statement to a representative of the,’ “Daily Telegraph”: “The lease of the Opera House- has still twenty-three years to run. It is a matter of common knowledge that Covent Garden Market is considerably restricted and wants more room. Negotiations have been in progress for some time. Both the Opera House and Coven .Garden will be improved and the negotiations are still ponding. We are endeavouring to assist the Opera House and the market. Details will very shortly be published.” The present Covent Garden Theatre is the third which has stood on the site, and dates from 1858. The first one was opened by John Rich, on December 7. 17.32. It was burned down on September 21, 1808. The second theatre, then Olio of the largest in Europe, was opened on September 18, 1809. Like its predecessors, it was destroyed by fire, • on March 5, 18'56, at the close of a masquerade ball. The present theatre was i opened on May 15, 1858. It seats just 1 under 2000. and is noted for its aeons- L

tic properties. The stage is the largest. in London, and one of the largest in Europe.

Coven Garden has always been associated throughout its history with opera. 'One of the earliest musical productions there was the “Beggar’s Opera.” It was at Covent Garden that the first performance in England of “The Messiah” took place, and it was here also that the first public performance on the pianoforte took place, the pianist being Charles Dibdin. Sir Henry Bishop was associated with the house, and “Home Sweet Home” was first sung there in one of his operas in 1823.

Coven Garden has been patronised by Royalty from the first, arid many brilliant gala performances have taken place in it. It has also a special prestige and indepedenee as one of the few remaining patent theatres in the kingdom. The present owners of the theatre arc the Grand Opera Syndicate, who since IS'S'S have been active in popularising grand opera in London.

.Beeeham Estates were the purchasers of flic Foundling Hospital site, and a proposal was made for the removal of Co vent Garden to that district, but, in view of the opposition, expressed in all quarters, the proposal was withdrawn. The definite announcement that the famous Opera House may be sold, and - will within a measurable space of time disappear, will not take the musical world by surprise. The apparent inability to produce grand opera there, with seating accommodation for only 1900 persons, and make it pay, hats more or less prepared the mind for news of the conversion of the building to s’ome other uses. ,