From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 10 March, 1876. Price 1d.

THE THEATRE

A license for theatrical performances at the "Clarence Theatre" was granted to William Meredith, the new proprietor. In future the house is to be called the "Gaiety."

From the Dover Express and East Kent Intelligencer, 9 February, 1877. Price 1d.

ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE

An application was made by Mr. George Ware for permission to draw at the above place of amusement, in Snargate Street.

Several testimonials, handed in by the applicant, were read.

Dr. Astley said there was no certificate amongst the number of recent date.

Mr. Ware said that accounted for his having been to America three years. he came back last August and had been travelling through the country with his own concerts.

Dr. Astley: Is it your intention to give up travelling with these concerts?

Mr. Ware: Yes, sir, I have taken a lease of the house for seven years. I am going to reside here and take it personally.

The bench said though the applicant had no testimonials of recent date under the circumstances of his having been out of the country they would grant a special license and remind him that he must be careful to see that the house was conducted properly.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 11 May, 1888. 1d.

THE CLARENCE THEATRE ENLARGEMENT

We hear that Messrs. Beer and Co. intend enlarging the Clarence Theatre, and by pulling down the adjoining public house, which is also their property, opening a cross-cut from Snargate Street and Northampton Street. Midway down this cross avenue, it is proposed to open a two faced bar on one side opening to the passage, and the other to a saloon which will command a view of the performance in the Theatre.

From the Dover Express and East Kent News, Friday 21 May, 1886.

THEATRICAL LICENSE

Mr. E. W. Spain applied on behalf of the Dover Brewery Company for the theatrical license of the “Royal Clarence Theatre” to be transferred from Mr. Bacon to Mr. George Alfred Pitcher, cashier to the Dover Brewery Company, Mr. Bacon being no longer connected with the firm. Messrs. Elvey and Stimpson were the sureties.

Robert Victor Elvey, of the Dover Brewery Company, said: On February 26th the theatrical license of the “Clarence” was granted to Mr. Bacon, who was then traveller to the Company. The license was granted for seven months. He is no longer traveller for the firm. Mr. Bacon signed the transfer paper produced. We have kept the licence in the office.

Mr. Saunders, Superintendent of Police, said that Mr. Bacon told him that he wished to get rid of the responsibility of the theatrical performance, and wished the license to be transferred.

There appeared to be some technical point as to the proper signing of the transfer, and the Magistrates adjourned to their room to consider the matter.

After an absence of nearly an hour, the Magistrates returned into Court, and the Chairman said that they had given the matter their due consideration, and had decided that it would be better for the license to be granted to a member belonging to the firm.

In answer to Mr. Spain, Mr. Stillwell said that the license was not yet expired, and therefore Mr. Bacon was the responsible person.