Page3Since 1789, Saint John has enjoyed one of the oldest and richest theatrical traditions in Canada. Theatre was established by the Loyalists who brought with them their taste and love for the arts.
 |
A Day to remember...February 28, 1789 is an important date to the cultural life of Saint John and all of New Brunswick, because it was the day of the "first dramatic exhibition in this province". On this day the people of Saint John gathered at the Mallard's Long Room and watched two plays. The plays that were performed that night were Sarah Centlivre's comedy "The Busy Body" and the farce "Who's The Dupe?" by Hannah Cowley. |
The Mallard's Long RoomThe Mallard's Long Room was owned by Thomas Mallard. It was simply a large room that could be converted into a Theatre by adding platforms, benches, and chairs. The stage was equipped with scenery. Tickets for that night's show all sold for the price of three shillings. |
 |
Saint John saw no more theatre until a season of five programmes was offered in the winter and spring of 1795. For the next 5 years Saint John enjoyed the plays that were performed by local talent at the Mallard's Long House.
Up until 1799 all the actors had been males. The production of "Douglas" marked the first time that a women had appeared on a Saint John stage.
In 1800 the plays moved from the Mallard House to the second floor of the City Hall located on Market Square where they would be held for the next nine years.
On February 3, 1809, the Drury Lane Theatre was opened. This was the first building in Saint John to be built only for theatre. The idea of the Theatre came from the officers at Fort Howe. The building of the new theatre involved rebuilding the existing structure of an old building on the corner of Union Street and Drury Lane. When the Drury Lane theatre was finished, it contained a 56 by 26 foot auditorium with boxes, pit and a garret. Artificial light was provided by candles and oil lamps.
Opening night of the Drury Lane Theatre was loved by all. The opening performance was "Abroad and at Home" followed by "All the World's a Stage". The reviewer for the Royal Gazette found that "the several characters of the Drama were supported with singular correctness and spirit".
19 More
All pages © Heritage Resources and New
Brunswick Community College - Saint John.