 The theatre was not to last long; on 25 May 1873, a mere six years after its opening, it was brought to a premature end by a fire.The exterior of the theatre was undamaged but the interior stonework was calcified by the intense heat.It was decided to rebuild the theatre, and after the issuing of tenders for the work and a lot of arguing whether the front had to be changed or not, the theatre was ready.