Theatre Royal, Durban

A theatre situated at the corner of West Street and Theatre Lane, it opened November 1882, as a multiple-purpose venue (plays, dances, boxing, etc). Extensively renovated in 1899, seating 1000, for theatrical performances.

Besides local productions, visiting performers and companies included H. B. Irving, Lily Langtry, Marie Tempest, Harry Lauder and Sybil Thorndike. Mark Twain performed his At Home there in 1896.

From 1939 also used as a cinema. In 1953 the building was sold to a furniture business and is currently the site of a set of warehouses.

ESAT