The exterior style most often chosen for these early theatre buildings was classical. Internally they were often courtyard style with a stage that projected well in front of the proscenium arch. Scenery was changed by sliding flats along grooves in the stage floor. As theatre-going was at this time still seen as somewhat disreputable, the classical style of architecture helped to foster a sense of legitimacy and respectability. While 18th-century theatre survivals are rare, the late-19th-century introduction of electric lighting and the safety curtain to prevent fires on stage reaching the audience, as well as other fire safety measures, have left us with an impressive legacy of late-Victorian and Edwardian theatres.

IN: Acting with confidence. Scotland's theatre architecture. p 10