Generation after generation of actors from Joanna's family graced the stage at the theatre, which was converted into Reubens night club in the 1980s.

The premises, on Lord Street, have recently been knocked down to make way for a housing development.
Joanna, from Radnor Drive, has inherited cuttings, photographs and reviews of performances at the theatre dating back from the 1800s.
A member of St Joseph's Players, Joanna said: "My great grandfather, Joseph Cartledge Hewitt, was a regular performer at the theatre from the late 1800s and had a love for performing up until his death in 1921."

In 1897 Joseph had the lead role in Hamlet, a performance which was described by local press as being "thoroughly artistic, well studied, and showed a scholarly appreciation of the work of a great dramatist."
Joseph was to direct the production in 1909, which starred the grandfather of Joanna's husband Richard Yates.

Joseph's daughter, Evelyn, married renowned actor Billy Reddish and the couple appeared frequently at The Theatre Royal, on one occasion alongside Joanne's mother Enid Whalley, who was also a member of St Joseph's Players.
Billy Reddish starred as one of The Mauries – one of the most successful on-running acts at The Theatre Royal.

Joanna said: "It has been fascinating to read through the different programmes of performances and look at the photographs that were taken of actors in my family from such a long time ago."

The Theatre Royal first opened its doors in 1884, inspired by the opening of a performance hall in 1863 on Railway Road.
The Literary Society, which Joseph Cartledge Hewitt was a member of, was influential in the success of The Theatre Royal until it closed.