Lid lifted on trapdoor rumour at Essex theatre

The remains of a trapdoor and a thirty-year-old note were discovered when staff removed the surface of the stage

Rumours that a theatre stage once had a large trapdoor have been proved to be true.

Staff have found the hinged device which led down to the dressing rooms at the Princes Theatre, Clacton in Essex.

They have also discovered old cigarette packets that may have been left by the original builders.

A message to "Ron Jessop" has also been uncovered, and staff are hoping to trace Mr Jessop so they can inform him of the 30-year-old note.

Prince Arthur of Connaught opened the Princes Theatre in 1931

The theatre was opened in 1931 by HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught, a grandson of Queen Victoria, on the site of an old potato field.

There has always been a rumour that the building originally contained a trapdoor which led to dressing rooms for the cast.

While undertaking decoration work at the theatre earlier this month, staff removed the surface of the stage so they could assess the condition of the original structure.

They found the trapdoor, along with old cigarette packets which may date from the same period.

They also discovered old electrical outlets which are thought to have been used to control stage lighting.

The Princes Theatre is part of the town hall in Clacton

Inside the disused equipment was a handwritten note dated 3/2/1993 with the name "Ron Jessop" and the words "Prince Theatre."

The venue's management believe the note was written by a contractor who misspelt the theatre's name.

Mick Barry, Tendring District Council's cabinet member for leisure and public realm, said: "We are appealing to anyone who can help us track down Mr Jessop so that we can learn more about the theatre's history and let him know that we found his note."

Time capsule

The note has now been placed inside a time capsule along with a list of staff working at the theatre and the message "hello from the past to the future".

The capsule was planted before the stage was resealed so it can be found by future generations.

The theatre has now been redecorated in a regal red, white and gold colour scheme, as part of an ongoing maintenance programme funded by the Princes Theatre restoration fund, ready for the new season.

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