theatre, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

theatre n.

[the accused, whether guilty or not, will ‘act’ their role, also the ironic acceptance that justice often depends more on image than facts]

a police court.

1857		‘Ducange Anglicus’ Vulgar Tongue.
1864, 1867, 1870		Hotten Sl. Dict.
1895		Crowe Aus. Sl. Dict. 84: Theatre, a police court.