Description:The bust of William Shakespeare was formerly on the facade of Matthew Wardhough's theatre, which stood on this site.
Matthew Wardhaugh (1813-188) was born in Whitechapel, London. He was first employed as a call boy at Drury Lane Theatre, then made a living by reciting and singing throughout England and Scotland. He came to Longton with a wooden van which served as a travelling theatre. This was replaced by a permanent wooden structure and then in 1867 by the Royal Victoria Theatre in Berry Bank, Stafford Street (later renamed The Strand).
He wrote at least 50 plays. He was a major public figure in Longton life in the late 19th century and served as a poor law guardian. he was Mayor of Longton 1883-4. He died in 1888 and was buried in Longton Cemetery.