Culture And Memory

Hull’s Lost Theatrical History, Reignited

Middle Child will reignite Hull’s lost theatrical heritage by creating Let It Burn, a major production about the city’s original Theatre Royal, which stood on Humber Street until it burnt down in 1859, and again in 1869. This untold story will be brought to life through performance, workshops and public engagement, rooted in original materials uncovered at Hull History Centre – including 19th-century programmes, contracts and rare imagery. The production will happen in our historic venue, in a conservation area steps from the original site. As part of this work, we’ll collaborate with residents to explore the civic legacy of East Hull’s theatre-themed street names – built between 1958 and 1961 – through creative workshops, oral histories and co-designed mural. Combining historical research with artistic reimagining and inclusive community engagement, these stories reconnect Hull with its theatrical heritage, leaving a legacy of shared memory and accessible resources for future generations.