Assembly Rooms (Alton)

• Theatre ID
  1318
• Built / Converted
  1880
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Multi-purpose Hall)
• Address
  Crown Hill, Alton, Hampshire, England

Details

This striking municipal building in rich red brick forms part of a group of three, the others being the Inwood Cottage Hospital and the Museum, formerly the Mechanics Institute. Designed by Charles E Barry by invitation of Henry Hall, who gave land from the Manor House, the buildings are in Gothic style. The Assembly rooms which presented entertainments, including drama, from the beginning, have two handsome towers marking the entrance. The first dramatic entertainment was by the Pickwick Histrionic Club. After the Second World War, professional entertainment was presented, with a permanent repertory company resident in the late 1940s. Most of the ornament is external. The hall is quite plain, relieved by six chandeliers. A well-maintained multi-purpose hall with permanent stage. Wide range of uses including community events.

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• Events
  • 1880 Design/Construction:
    • Charles E Barry (Westminster) - Architect
  • 1880 Owner/Management: Alton Assembly Rooms & Town Hall Co Ltd
  • 1900 - 1909 Alteration: converted for multi-purpose use (including films and skating)
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Gerald Hall bought Co (in receivership)
  • 1914 Alteration: converted to Red Cross Hospital
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1919 Alteration: re-converted for entertainment use
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1919 Owner/Management: UDC (presented to the town by Gerald & Goodwyn Hall)
  • 1963 Alteration: modernised & re-floored
    • Unknown - Architect
• Capacities
  • Later: 1910: 500 1995: 300
  • Current: 300
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: 1910 Depth: 19ft 6in Width: 28ft 6in
  • Proscenium width: 25ft
  • Orchestra pit: None