The Theatre Royal, King Street, Bristol
The theatre was designed in 1764-66 by James Paty. It was altered in 1800 and redecorated in the late 19th century. The outside was rebuilt including the frontage in 1970-2 by Peter Moro. It is the oldest theatre in the country in continuous use and the most complete example of 18th century theatre design. The original 'thunder-run' in the roof space above the auditorium ceiling still exists. This is a zigzag series of wooden troughs for rolling cannon balls down to create the sound of thunder.
