James Morris, banker and longtime resident of Ayr, published a book in 1872 under the title Recollections of Ayr Theatricals from 1809.  He describes the development of theatre in the Royal Burgh and gives details of some of the performances.

In 1809, when he arrived in Ayr, Morris notes that there were theatrical performances in the Soap Works at Dalblair House.  By 1810 performances had been moved to premises in Content Street, in the Wallacetown area of the Burgh.  He notes that  these premises were under the management of Henry Erskine Johnston until they were replaced by the Theatre Royal or Queen's Room in 18151.

The great tragedian, Edmund Kean, appeared at these premises in 1811 and 1812, returning for further engagements in later years.  Kean appeared in the role of Othello and travelled from Ayr to Campbelltown and Bute for further appearances in the role.

The theatre provided a home for music.  Both Braham and Templeton, noted tenors, appeared in the house.  In 1832 Paganini played two concerts at the theatre.  Tickets were priced at 7s 6d, 5s and 3s 6d.  Paganini was promised a fee of £100 for his appearance but it appears that the manager (Seymour) decamped with the funds.  Thereafter, Paganini always demanded a fee in advance, asserting that he would play better with the cash in his back pocket.


Building Details

The building is listed as Grade B.

Modest rectangular hall of sandstone rubble with a two storey façe of five bays, clad in cement stucco. Five arched windows to first floor with pediment containing infilled ocular window. Inevitably, the interior has been radically altered, although it is still possible to identify the original layout. The auditorium was decked over at circle height (a half storey up from ground level). The former pit, excavated to a depth of 3m (9ft 10in), became the crypt. The church is an unadorned rectangular space with a flat ceiling and one balcony with truncated slips. All evidence of the proscenium and stage has gone.


History

Built  1815
Current state    Extant
Current use   Religious centre (Baptist Church)
Address    Fort Street, Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland

Other names    Queen's Hall

Building information from The Theatres Trust©

The Church was renovated in 2004.  The Ayr Baptist Church website includes a range of images prepared during the building work.