Gaumont Palace

A large brick building in Art Deco style; three entrance doors under a canopy, three first floor windows to a balcony, centrally arranged within a picture-frame-like façade, the whole flanked by lower, flanking quadrant wings, each with an entrance door. Fly tower at rear.

The main entrance to the theatre is in Corporation Street. Staircases at each end give access to small circle foyers which originally led to the cafe. The decorative treatment of the coffered ceiling and marble enrichments, together with the warm-toned Ruboleum floor, combine to create a sumptuous and rich interior.

The auditorium has a spacious circle, the rear of which extends over the entrance hall. The ceiling is centred on an impressive shell-like formation, with lighting concealed. There is a perimeter band. The massive proscenium arch, emphasised by a ribbed lighting cove on which changes of colour could originally be made from concealed cornices is striking. On the flank splayed walls are two great flower-like features, which run almost from floor to ceiling.

The stage is 6.4m (21ft) deep and 22.5m (74ft) wide. Eleven dressing rooms. With a sensitive conversion this could serve as a number 1 touring venue. Well decorated and maintained for its present bingo use