Hull Theatre programmes

This collection includes runs of programmes for the following theatres: Hull Repertory Theatre (1928-1933), The Little Theatre (1933-1939), Hull New Theatre (1939-1947), Hull Palace (1930), Playgoers' Theatre (1930-1933), and Alexandra Theatre (1932-1934).

The earliest records of theatres in Hull date from the 1760s, although there was a theatre on Lowgate in the early eighteenth century. In 1768, a New Theatre was built, which became the Theatre Royal, a name which was to be passed on to a whole series of theatres in Hull, until the beginning of the twentieth century. The current New Theatre originates from the Little Theatre, which was run from the Lecture Hall in Kingston Square. The Little Theatre Company bought the Hall in 1930. They then acquired the Assembly Rooms in 1939, which were then converted to the New Theatre. The Theatre was bought by a London company in 1951, and was sold to the Corporation in 1961. A brief history of other Hull Theatres can be found in the Searchroom 'Useful Information' file.

U DX304/1-66 Hull Repertory Theatre, 1928 - 1933

U DX304/67-132 The Little Theatre, 1933 - 1939

U DX304/133-176 Hull New Theatre, 1939 - 1947

U DX304/177-178 Hull Palace, 1930

U DX304/179-182 Playgoers' Theatre, 1930 - 1933

U DX304/183-186 Alexandra Theatre, 1932 - 1934

Access will be granted to any accredited reader

Donated by Mr W E Harrop of Park Avenue, Hull via Professor Michael Walton

U DTP, Theatre Playbills Collection (1760s-1970s). Over 6000 playbills, which are mostly available to view (on microfilm only) in the library area. They are arranged by theatre, but they can also be searched by individual title on the Hull University Library catalogue. As well as theatres in Hull, this collection includes some Yorkshire and United Kingdom theatres, and Chowringee and Rourkee in India.

Local Studies Playbills

Some of this material overlaps with Theatre Playbills in the University collections. As well as theatres, this collection has playbills for music halls, and the Mechanics Institute, as well as lots of small theatres, both in Hull and some for the East Riding. They are indexed by theatre name with a chronological title list. There is also an index by date of performance, as well as a file of playbills listed by place. Ask the staff at the Enquiry Desk for details.