ON THE CONSTRUCTION Off THEATRES. \£(J 



X. 



On the Construction of Theatres. In a Letter from Richard 

 Lovell Edgeworth Esq., F. R. S. and M> R. I* A, 



To Mr. NICHOLSON. 



SIR, Edgeivorthstou-n, March 6, 1809. 



Jl HE public, by the loss of two theatres in one winter, The building 



inust be anxious about the plans on which those edifices are °[. a theatre an 



r . . . object of pub- 



to be rebuilt : tkey will not be satisfied with the opinion of u c concern. 



a single architect, they will require an open discussion of 



the principles, and plans upon which a new theatre is to be 



constructed; this they have a just right to demand, for 



their lives and properties are at stake. Every family in 



London might have mourned the loss of some relative, had 



the play-houses been filled at the time of the accident ; 



and the whole city might have been burned to ashes by 



either of the conflagrations. 



We are to consider not only the loss of lives by the im- It cannot be 

 mediate disaster, but also the apprehensions, which the au- sV;auhTr!?event 

 dience must feel for some time to come ; and the anxiety, even appre- 

 which those who remain at home must suffer during the hension * 

 absence of their friends at the theatre. Nothing should 

 be left to embitter the cup of innocent pleasure, and 

 " assurance should be made doubly sure," where great 

 hazards are run, from no greater motive than the hope of 

 an hour's amusement. 



Covent-garden playhouse is now rebuilding without any The public 

 previous appeal to the public, that I have heard of, as to should be cal« 

 the plan or precautions, that are to be followed in its con- ^ atSm 

 struction. I know, that some hints were sent on these sub- ■ 

 jects, which were not even considered, at least not noticed, 

 till after the plan was arranged. Surely it must be infinitely 

 more advantageous to the proprietors and to the nation, 

 that a short delay should take place before a plan is ulti- 

 mately arranged, than that a new theatre should be opened 

 ten days sooner, or ten days later. 



The glaring defect, or to speak more properly, the obvi- Timber shoulc 

 ©us blunder in the building of Drury-lane theatre, w«8 the ndi ** iatro " 



You XXIII.— June; I809, K. 



