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Royal Victoria Hall

2046

The theatre was built as a result of a gift of the late Sir David Salomons, and opened in 1900 to provide theatrical and other rational amusements to people who could not afford to go to theatres in the adjoining towns. It was supported by Southborough Urban District Council whose surveyor designed it, but it was said that ‘the plans were really Sir David’s own’. A national journal described it at the time as ‘the only municipal theatre in England’ and it is particularly interesting as probably the first civic theatre. A red brick, rectangular building with a low fly tower and, originally, a chapel-like facade set back from the road. It later received a plain forward extension, with a curved gable bearing a resited date stone reading ‘1897’ and the inscription, ROYAL VICTORIA HALL. A pretty cast iron porch was removed (and purchased by a Councillor who thought its removal regrettable) and replaced by 'modern' canopy. The auditorium was designed with a scenic stage, permanent seating in a straight-across end balcony (on two decorative columns) and a flat floor. Square reeded proscenium arch with decorative panels featuring swags and drops either side. Panelled dado with red flock wall paper above reaching to deep plain coving and decorative ventilation grilles. Reasonable stage with dressing room facilities behind. The alterations to the entrance, the provision of a new box office and the insertion of a bar running the full length of the hall occurred in 1977-1979. Although a multi-purpose hall, run by the local authority, it was licensed for stage plays and authorised to use the Royal coat of arms from the beginning. Southborough Town Council can no longer afford to subsidise this practical and popular venue, which was used by both professionals and amateurs. The theatre closed on 5th January 2015 and demolition began in 2017. There are plans to replace the venue with a community hub.

Built / Converted
1900
Dates of use
  • 1900 - 2015: Theatre
Current state
Demolished
Current use
Demolished
Address
London Road, Southborough, Kent, TN4 0NA, England
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • 1900 Design/Construction:
    William Harmer (Council Surveyor) with Sir David Salomons
    - Architect
  • 1900 Design/Construction:
    Suggs
    - Consultant
    gas fittings
    Maple & Co
    - Consultant
    furnishings and fabrics
    W Reading & J B & H Drury
    - Consultant
    scenery
    W Reading
    - Consultant
    drop curtain and stage trap
  • 1900 Owner/Management: Southborough Urban District Council/Southborough Town Council
  • 1900 - 2015 Use: Theatre
  • 1977 - 1979 Alteration: Array altered internally and façade modernised
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 2017 Demolition:
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    600
    Comment
    'Over 600'
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    450
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    360
    Comment
    2015; seated
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Proscenium Raked
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 7m (24ft)
Proscenium width: 8.53m (28ft)
Height to grid: 6.4m (21ft)
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: None