The Palace Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre in Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It opened in 1913 and has been primarily used as a theatre, but also as a cinema, rollerskating rink and bingo hall.
Palace Theatre, Redditch
Palace Theatre in 2013, showing the 1971 foyer extension
The theatre opened in 1913, with a capacity of 660.[1] It was designed by Bertie Crewe with a Neo-classical interior. The theatre was split into a circular balcony with stalls above.[2]
In 1939, the theatre closed at the onset of World War II, but quickly re-opened. It closed in 1954 and was redeveloped as a rollerskating rink, opening the following year. It was used as a dance hall from 1959, and subsequently as a bingo hall. The premises were acquired by Redditch Urban District Council in 1967.[1] The building was later modified.[2]
The premises re-opened exclusively as a theatre on 11 September 1971 by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Peter Walker. An extension on the south east side housing a new foyer opened the same year, while a former factory at the back of the theatre was converted into a set of dressing rooms in 1976.[1]
Since 1985, the building has been run by Redditch Borough Council.[1] It was Grade II listed in 1996.[2] In 2005, the theatre was restored to its original state.[1] Funds and grants were provided by Redditch Borough Council (£3M), and £920,500 as part of a £4 million scheme from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).[3] The theatre's original seats have been retained and reupholstered.[2]
Performancesedit
The Palace building was initially used for a variety of uses, including theatre and cinema. In 1930, it became known as the Palace Super Cinema. After re-opened in 1940, focusing again on a mix of cinema and variety.[1] Since 1971 it has been used exclusively as a theatre.[1]
The theatre hosts a programme of touring comedy, drama, plays, and an annual pantomime and since 1971 has been the home base of the Redditch Operatic Society.[4]
Referencesedit
^ abcdefg"Redditch Theatres". arthurlloyd.co.uk. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
^. Redditch Borough Council. Archived from the original on 12 June 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2009.
^"Redditch Operatic Society; Bringing you the very best in Musical Theatre". Redditch Operatic Society. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
External linksedit
December 02, 2023
palace, theatre, redditch, palace, theatre, grade, listed, theatre, redditch, worcestershire, england, opened, 1913, been, primarily, used, theatre, also, cinema, rollerskating, rink, bingo, hall, palace, theatre, 2013, showing, 1971, foyer, extensionaddressal. The Palace Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre in Redditch in Worcestershire England It opened in 1913 and has been primarily used as a theatre but also as a cinema rollerskating rink and bingo hall Palace Theatre RedditchPalace Theatre in 2013 showing the 1971 foyer extensionAddressAlcester StreetRedditchEnglandCoordinates52 18 20 N 1 56 16 W 52 3055 N 1 9379 W 52 3055 1 9379OwnerRedditch Borough CouncilCapacity420ConstructionOpened1913 1913 Rebuilt2005ArchitectWilliam Robert Bertie CreweWebsiteredditchpalacetheatre wbr co wbr uk Contents 1 History 2 Performances 3 References 4 External linksHistory editThe theatre opened in 1913 with a capacity of 660 1 It was designed by Bertie Crewe with a Neo classical interior The theatre was split into a circular balcony with stalls above 2 In 1939 the theatre closed at the onset of World War II but quickly re opened It closed in 1954 and was redeveloped as a rollerskating rink opening the following year It was used as a dance hall from 1959 and subsequently as a bingo hall The premises were acquired by Redditch Urban District Council in 1967 1 The building was later modified 2 The premises re opened exclusively as a theatre on 11 September 1971 by the Secretary of State for the Environment Peter Walker An extension on the south east side housing a new foyer opened the same year while a former factory at the back of the theatre was converted into a set of dressing rooms in 1976 1 Since 1985 the building has been run by Redditch Borough Council 1 It was Grade II listed in 1996 2 In 2005 the theatre was restored to its original state 1 Funds and grants were provided by Redditch Borough Council 3M and 920 500 as part of a 4 million scheme from The Heritage Lottery Fund HLF 3 The theatre s original seats have been retained and reupholstered 2 Performances editThe Palace building was initially used for a variety of uses including theatre and cinema In 1930 it became known as the Palace Super Cinema After re opened in 1940 focusing again on a mix of cinema and variety 1 Since 1971 it has been used exclusively as a theatre 1 The theatre hosts a programme of touring comedy drama plays and an annual pantomime and since 1971 has been the home base of the Redditch Operatic Society 4 References edit a b c d e f g Redditch Theatres arthurlloyd co uk Retrieved 3 March 2020 a b c d Historic England Details from listed building database 1268300 National Heritage List for England Retrieved 3 March 2020 Palace Theatre Redditch Borough Council Archived from the original on 12 June 2009 Retrieved 22 June 2009 Redditch Operatic Society Bringing you the very best in Musical Theatre Redditch Operatic Society Retrieved 3 March 2020 External links editArts in Redditch Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Palace Theatre Redditch amp oldid 1176068384, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
