Shanklin Theatre

• Theatre ID
  1173
• Built / Converted
  1878
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  Prospect Road, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 6AJ, England

Details

The first building on the site opened in 1878 as The Institute, designed by E G Cooper, in classical style with a pedimented Corinthian portico. As the Institute, the building incorporated the Town Hall, as well as having an entertainments hall, and various reading and meeting rooms. After a serious fire it was rebuilt as the Shanklin Theatre and opened in 1934. It is not clear precisely how much of the original fabric was retained, but the right hand return elevation is identifiably part of the 1878 design and the main body of the building is probably of the same date. The present façe, however, bears little resemblance to that of the old Town Hall, being taller by one storey. The entrance front of the building is three-storeyed, classical, finished in stucco, taking the form of a five bay mansion in French style set upon an advanced ground floor podium. This floor consists of two channelled pavilions with modillion cornice and blocking, each having a central semi-circular headed window with a keystone, modillian cornice and blocking. Between the pavilions, slightly set back and approached by a wide flight of steps are glazed metal doors beneath a canopy. The ‘mansion’ has a three bay centre with giant Ionic columns supporting an entablature and pediment. On either side, single bays are defined by broad pilasters with carved cartouches at their heads. The auditorium, which is probably an adaptation of the original hall, with an added balcony decorated with plain plaster panels, is striking. Seating is traditional, but the stalls seating can be moved for dances etc. A fly tower was added in 1933. The theatre is an all-year touring house and also serves local amateur dramatic companies. Set away from the beach, on the hill at the top of town, it is slightly off the beaten track. The old Town Hall serves as the theatre bar.

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• Other names
  The Institute, New Town Hall Theatre
• Events
  • 1878 Design/Construction: as the Institute
    • E G Cooper - Architect
  • 1933 Alteration: reconstructed as theatre
    • Cooper & Corbett - Architect
  • 1879 Owner/Management: Until when not known. The Institute, owners
  • 1933 Owner/Management: Sandown - Shanklin UDC, owners
• Capacities
  • Original: 1879 (Hall): 500
  • Later: 1945: 700
  • Current: 670
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 6.7m Width SL: 7.43m SR: 6.4m
  • Proscenium width: 8.99m
  • Height to grid: 9.99m
  • Orchestra pit: (Original 1933) 20