Pavilion (Sandown)

• Theatre ID
  1161
• Built / Converted
  1934
• Dates of use
  • 1990 - 1998
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  converted to other use (amusements)
• Address
  Sandown Pier, Esplanade, Sandown, Isle of Wight, England

Details

The Pavilion Theatre was built at the landward end, designed with walkways either side on to the pier, so it could function independently. The 1934 theatre was a steel-framed structure, reminiscent of a 1930s cinema. Externally the distinctive feature was the colour and texture obtained by the use patent cement paints with an ivory white decorative finish. The entrance foyer is entered from the Esplanade. Two wide staircases lead to the balcony foyer, former tea room balcony. The original interior dér was intended to suggest sea and sunshine. The auditorium had simple direct lines, with horizontal bands and concealed lighting as the main features. It had a single raked balcony. In 1989 the seaward side of the Pavilion was destroyed by fire: the stage and auditorium survived but suffered extensive smoke and heat damage. The theatre was completely refurbished and redecorated and rebuilt backstage, with improved and enlarged dressing room accommodation. It is now given over to amusement machines and has been recently granted permission for conversion to ‘mini-golf’.

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• Events
  • 1934 Design/Construction:
    • Ernest Latham - Architect
  • 1934 Design/Construction:
    • Mouchel & Partners Ltd - Consultant: Steel Reinforcements
    • The Cement Marketing Co Ltd (London) - Consultant: External Walls
  • 1934 Owner/Management: Sandown-Shanklin UDC, continuing as South Wight Borough Council, owners
  • 1987 Owner/Management: Sandown Pier Ltd, owners; South Wight BC, lessees
  • 1989 - 1990 Alteration: Array backstage and dressing rooms rebuilt after fire; refurbished and improved
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1990 - 1998 Use:
• Capacities
  • Original: 675 plus 200 standing
  • Later: 1995: 980
  • Current: est. 750
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: 1995 Depth: 6.71m Width SL: 9.41m SR: 9.41m
  • Proscenium width: 1995: 11.53m
  • Height to grid: 7.92m
  • Orchestra pit: Original, 22