Richmond Online - 
Online Guide to Richmond - The Georgian Theatre Museum
The Georgian Theatre museum documents the Georgian Theatre's story from inception to present day. An original museum (the first theatre museum in the country) was opened in 1979 by Richard Baker. And in 1996, with the help of the National Lottery, a new museum was constructed.
Museum space is devoted to the first phase of the Theatre's life; its construction, management and operation during the last years of the 18th and the first half of the 19th centuries. Ther is a unique collection of original playbills and handbills from 1792 to the 1840s which clearly illustrate the changing pattern of entertainment.
Ever popular with visiting school parties, a 'thunderbox' hangs from the ceiling with a rope to make it work and background sound effects recreate the rowdy and irreverent mirth of a Georgian night out.
Logical procession through the museum eventually leads through the back wall of the theatre out on to the stage. And in one magical moment, the museum becomes a reality.
Samuel Butler
In the Museum are also fine engravings of artists associated with Butler's company. There is a scaled-down replica of the theatre stage, complete with proscenium door and Juliet boxes, behind which you can see the oldest surviving complete set of painted scenery in Britain.
There is also an 'interactive' costume display.
Photographs and autographs of Royal visitors, and of many international stars who have generously donated their time and talent to benefit performances - a tradition established by Edmund Kean in 1819 - can be seen in the theatre bar.
