A 1920s version of classical architecture. Bold and bright with the frontage cased in Doulton’s Carrara tiles.
Designed by William George Sprague and William Henry Barton, the 2,500 seat theatre opened for performances in 1929. Was one of the largest theatres outside the West End of London. The focus of the facade is the large loggia styled area which is fronted by a row of plain Doric columns.
Beneath a plain pediment on each wing are moulded wreaths. There is shallow pilaster with their suggested capitals on the wings, the Roman styled railings between the columns, the pantile roof plus the decorated parapet. The lavish and exuberant foyer and auditorium area has survived.
Many famous actors have performed at the theatre, which closed in 1962. Later it re-opened as a Bingo Hall. It is a Grade II listed building. Damage suffered from a V1 Flying Bomb in 1944 can be seen in the new looking brickwork in Barrhill Road.
The foundation plaque laid by Eveleyn Laye in 1929 can be seen on the front wall to the left of the main entrance. (Sadly the foundation plaque was stolen in July 2026)
