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history |
Royal letters patent for the establishment of a theatre in Edinburgh were incorporated into the Act for the New Town. The first patent was achieved by Mr David Ross (formerly manager of a small theatre in the Canongate) and the foundation stone of the new theatre was laid on the 16 March 1768 at the end of the new North Bridge. The Theatre Royal Edinburgh opened in December 1769. The Theatre was leased to various managers until in 1781 it passed into the hands of Mr John Jackson who persuaded the popular Mrs Siddons to perform in 1784 - the first major success. In 1788 a new patent was procured in the names of the Duke of Hamilton and Henry Dundas (afterwards Viscount Melville) with the consent of Mr Jackson. The theatre was then leased to various managers (including Mr Stephen Kemble who went on to erect a rival house, the 'circus', at the head of Leith Walk - although prevented by a Decree of the Court of Session from producing plays). When this patent expired in 1809 it was transferred by the Duke of Hamilton and Viscount Melville to certain Assignees (including Mr Walter Scott). They assigned the new patent to Mr Henry Siddons, son of the above mentioned Mrs Siddons, and following his premature death in 1815 to his wife, Mrs Harriet Siddons. During her time as patentee Sir Walter Scott made available the Waverley Dramas, starting with 'Rob Roy' in 1819, thereby ensuring the financial success of the theatre. In 1830 the new patent was assigned to Mr William Murray actor and brother to Mrs Harriet Siddons. |