The Arts In Berwick -- Theatre
Stephen Kemble

Stephen Kemble

Stephen Kemble (1758-1822) was almost born on stage, his mother giving birth just as the curtain came down on Shakespeare's Henry VIII.

In 1794 Stephen Kemble opened a theatre in a disused malt-house at the back of the King's Arms Inn. At the opening the freemasons attended in force, remaining patrons throughout the theatre's existence. The theatre was usually opened a week or two before the Lamberton Races in the first week of July and continued for three or four weeks. Many of the greatest names of the early 19th.Century theatre played there.

On the morning of 6th.January 1845 a fire broke out in the buildings behind the King's Arms Inn and the Theatre was completely destroyed, although the Inn itself was unharmed. The Kings Arms Assembly Rooms were built on the site. He ran a number of provincial theatres including Berwick and later got so fat, he could play Falstaff without padding.

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