Celebrating 125 Years - Owners and Managers

April, 2024

1899-1902 

Mr F. C. Mouflet, of the Castle Rooms on Whittaker Avenue, commissioned and opened the building. He appoints C. E. Hardy as Manager.

1902-1917  

The Theatre is purchased and run by George Dance, a journalist, playwright, and producer. Dance oversaw the first major change to theatre, reseating the auditorium to increase capacity to over 1300 and the provision of more fire exits to secure a license as a variety house. 

1913-1917 

The theatre was briefly leased to N. Carter Slaughter, aka Tod Slaughter, who is best known for putting on blood curdling melodramas. 

1917-1935  

Joseph ‘JT’ Mears takes on ownership of the theatre. A prominent local businessman known for owning several cinemas in Richmond including the now Odeon. He later went on to be Mayor of Richmond.  

1935-1937 

The lease passes to the Arthur Rees who establishes the Arthur Rees Repertory Players.

1937-1940 

The theatre is acquired by Circle Theatres Ltd. It’s run under the management of A. B. Brandreth who introduces pre-West End runs, something we regularly continue today. 

1940-1944 

Leon Underwood takes over the lease in 1940 reopening the theatre in December. During this time, the theatre was largely occupied by the Richmond Theatre Repertory Company. 

1944-1947 

The theatre is purchased and subsequently operated by F. J. Butterworth, who owned several theatres within the UK. The Butterworth family still own the building today. 

1947-1973 

In 1947, Alan Miles, Frederick Piffard and Andrew Melville take the helm. Piffard remained manger until 1973, becoming one of the theatre’s longest serving Theatre Managers.  

1973-1986 

Louis Michaels Ltd., who operated several theatres including Theatre Royal and Playhouse Bournemouth, takes over and sees the first redesign of the gallery (upper circle), updating it from the original stone, padded steps to more traditional seating.  

1986-1989 

The torch is passed to Kenneth H. Fox who becomes Chairman of Richmond Theatre, with Sally Greene OBE as Managing Director. 

1989-1991 

The theatre closes for the biggest refurbishment in its history, overseen by Sally Greene. The Richmond Theatre Trust is established to help fundraise.  

1991-2000 

Richmond Theatre reopens and continues to be run independently with the support of the Trust. Greene remains as Chairman for several years.  

2000-Present  

2000 sees Richmond Theatre become part of the Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), who continue to operate it today. At nearly 25 years, this makes them the second longest caretakers of the building.