Located by the main door and flush with the pavement by the ANZ Bank Manners Mall is a metal plaque. Inscribe on it is the following:
On This Site,Wellingtons
First Theatrical Performance
Took Place on 11 May 1843,and
New Zealands First Purpose Built
Theatre,The Royal Victoria.Opened
on 12 September 1845. It was Founded
By James Marriott (1799-1886)
James Henry Marriott arrived in NZ on board the Thomas Sparks in 1843 while his wife and 2 younger children arrive 10 years later.
Within months of arriving he arranged and took part in a season of plays with the 1st being preformed on 11th May 1843. The performance took place in the saloon of The Ship Hotel.
On the 12th September after much persuasion of the owners The Ship Hotel a Hall was built on some spare land and it was named as the Royal Victoria Theatre.It was short lived with it closing in November 1843.
James Henry Marriott Full details of James Marriott
Above information from Te Ara The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
The Plaque laid with help fromWellington Historic and Early Settlers Association and Wellington City Council 2003
wildbayNZ/Windyhillflyingclub 2013
WildBay 