The New Surrey Theatre. Blackfriars-Road…

Engraved view of the second Surrey Theatre, designed by John Ellis, seating 2,161 people in four tiers, which opened on 26 December 1865.

On 29 January 1865, during the last scene of the pantomime Richard Coeur de Lion, a fire began above the chandelier. The audience evacuated safely, but before the cast could leave the entire theatre was plunged into darkness, as the gas supervisor cut the gas supply to prevent an explosion. Panic ensued backstage, but the cast were led to safety through the burning scenery. In less than ten minutes the interior was ablaze, and the theatre was burnt down shortly after midnight.

From the original edition of the Illustrated London News.