Winter Gardens (Ventnor)

• Theatre ID
  1182
• Built / Converted
  1937
• Dates of use
  • 1937: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (theatre and multi-purpose)
• Address
  Pier Street, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 1SZ, England

Details

Replaced an early twentieth century Winter Gardens which was demolished in 1935. Completed in 1937, the new Winter Gardens commands the cliff site adjacent to the cascade: a striking white building with a glass-fronted tower ‘inspired by Bexhill - a brave attempt’ (Pevsner). When it opened, there was a sun terrace on the roof. Offices are now built over the terrace. The ground floor is occupied by a large theatre/concert hall with small foyer, which looks as though it had Art Deco features originally. In the winter the theatre was converted into a ballroom; now it has varied leisure uses. Theatre is very plain, with an almost bland proscenium, the only feature being a large lay light. There is no balcony. The seating is stacked, and get in is through the front door into the auditorium. At rear is dressing room accommodation. The front part houses a cafe and bar, looking out to sea. The stairs are encased in the glass-fronted tower. It is a touring house for shows and concerts.

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• Events
  • 1937 Use: continuing
  • 1937 Design/Construction:
    • A D Clare - Architect
  • Owner/Management: Ventnor UDC
• Capacities
  • Original: 664
  • Current: 400
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 5.8m Width SL: 6.25m SR: 8.65m
  • Proscenium width: 10.3m
  • Height to grid: 6.4m
  • Orchestra pit: None