Leas Cliff Hall

• Theatre ID
  1026
• Built / Converted
  1927
• Dates of use
  • 1927: Multi-purpose Hall
  • 1939 - 1945: Multi-purpose Hall Dance Hall
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Multi-purpose hall)
• Address
  The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2DZ, England

Details

Resolutely calling itself a hall, this may be regarded as a theatre. Although designed in 1913 it was not built until 1927. It is a four storey building, reinforced concrete-framed with brick infill, and partly faience faced, with iron balconies. It is set into the side of the cliffs, at the top of which is the parade known as The Leas. The box-office building on the Leas was replaced in 1980 by one which resembles a pagoda. A fine double staircase leads down to the hall. A balcony runs around three sides. Moveable stalls seats on a polished, sprung dance floor. There are sightline problems because the hall is about twice as wide as it is deep, the stage being in the middle of the longer wall, opposite the staircase. A variable sized proscenium arch can be created and rostra are available to provide forestages of differing sizes. Backstage there is a bandroom, rehearsal room, green room and six dressing rooms. At the time of writing there are plans to extend and refurbish the building.

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• Events
  • 1927 Use: Multi-purpose Hall
  • 1939 - 1945 Use: Multi-purpose Hall Dance Hall
  • 1927 Design/Construction:
    • J L Seaton Dahl (to design of 1913) - Architect
  • 1980 Alteration: alterations
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1994 Owner/Management: Shepway District Council
• Capacities
  • Current: 825 (seated)
• Listings
  • Grade II - Listed 1999
• Stage type
  • Pros flat
• Dimensions
  • Height to grid: No grid