Hidden history has been unearthed at the Princes Theatre by staff carrying out refurbishment work.

Hot on the heels of box office smash hit panto Aladdin, the theatre team got to work overhauling the venue ready for a busy 2024 season.

Whilst removing the stage surface to assess the original structure, which was built between 1928 to 1931, staff substantiated rumours that this contained a large trapdoor leading down to the cast’s dressing rooms, and also found old cigarette packets that appear to have been left by the original builders.

Excitement peaked when staff discovered old electrical outlets that would have been used to control stage lighting and hidden within, a handwritten note from the past with the name Ron Jessop, dated 03/02/1993 and the words ‘Prince Theatre’.

The theatre management believe this person was an outside contractor as the 's' is missing from Princes, an unlikely mistake to have been made by a member of staff, and would like to track down Mr Jessop to say his message was found.

In response, a time capsule was planted for future generations of theatre staff to find before resealing the stage. This contained the original note and one of their own containing a list of names of the staff working at the theatre and the message ‘hello from the past to the future’.

Opened in 1931 by H.R.H Prince Arthur of Connaught, the main auditorium of the Princes Theatre has fittingly 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.

Mick Barry, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm at Tendring District Council – which runs the theatre – was impressed with the refurbishment and intrigued by the staff’s findings.

“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,” said Councillor Barry.

“Following a record-breaking box office pantomime, we are delighted with the redecoration to improve the customer experience and expect this will attract more customers, hirers and shows for the years to come.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude to the Princes Theatre team for their dedication to completing this fantastic work on such a short time scale, in time for a busy programme of shows for the new year.”

If you have any information about Mr Jessop, please contact the Princes Theatre by calling 01255 686633.

The Princes Theatre has a packed schedule of shows throughout 2024. Book your tickets at www.princestheatre.co.uk or by calling 01255 686633.