The Royal Pottery Theatre opened on 25 November 1852 in Brunswick Street, Hanley, and was initially run by James Rogers.
[1] Elphinstone obtained plans from Charles J. Phipps and Frank Matcham, renowned theatrical architects, and again rebuilt the venue in 1887.
Further work took place in 1894 by Frank Matcham to extend the auditorium southwards to increase its capacity, and to install electric light.
The theatre's 'Hanley Babes', formed from young girls from local dance groups, became synonymous with the annual pantomime.
On 2 June 1949, the stage and auditorium of the venue were destroyed by fire in the early hours during a run of the Sadler's Wells Ballet.
[1] The rise of television meant audiences dwindled, and owners Mecca converted the theatre to bingo in 1961 although local amateur dramatics still hired the venue.