Holborn Theatre

Located at 85 High Holborn, the venue opened on 25 May 1867 as the New Royal Amphitheatre under the management of Thomas M'Collum (or McCollum, 1828 - 1872), a much admired American-born two horse rider and circus owner.

In its May 1867 edition The Building News and Engineering Journal commented on the construction of the new theatre, stating: 'A spirited attempt is about to be made to revive the glories of the peaceful sawdust ring.

On the site of the Metropolitan Horse Bazaar, Holborn (nearly opposite the Inns of Court Hotel), is now rapidly progressing towards completion an amphitheatre, which will vie with any building in London in the beauty and elegance of its decorations and its admirable arrangements for the safety and comfort of the public.

'[1] The curve of the amphitheatre was extremely imposing with its ceiling constructed of stretched and illuminated canvas with a large centre flower radiating from the sunlight.

[1][2] The operetta La Vie parisienne by Offenbach received its English premiere at the theatre in March 1872 in an adaptation by F. C. Burnand and with a cast that included Lionel Brough.

During its existence the venue offered a wide mixture of performances, starting with circus style acts and from 1873 presenting farce, ballet and dramas.