Palace Theatre, Redditch

Palace Theatre, Redditch
	Palace Theatre in 2013, showing the 1971 foyer extension
Address	Alcester Street; Redditch; England
Coordinates	52°18′20″N 1°56′16″W / 52.3055°N 1.9379°W
Owner	Redditch Borough Council
Capacity	420
Construction
Opened	1913
Rebuilt	2005
Architect	William Robert (Bertie) Crewe
Website
	redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name	Palace Theatre
Designated	8 September 1996
Reference no.	1268300

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.

History

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

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

Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).^[3] The theatre's original seats have been retained and reupholstered.^[2]

Performances

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]

References

^ ^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

Arts in Redditch

[al-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Redditch Theatres". arthurlloyd.co.uk. Retrieved 3 March 2020.

[NHLE-2] Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1268300)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 3 March 2020.

[3] "Palace Theatre". Redditch Borough Council. Archived from the original on 12 June 2009. Retrieved 22 June 2009.

[4] "Redditch Operatic Society; Bringing you the very best in Musical Theatre". Redditch Operatic Society. Retrieved 3 March 2020.

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