Futurist Theatre

• Theatre ID
  2089
• Built / Converted
  1921
• Dates of use
  • 1957: continung
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Theatre/cinema)
• Address
  Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1NT, England

Details

The site has been used for entertainment since 1903 when the Kiralfy's Arcadia Theatre (i) opened. In July 1912 the Palladium Picture House was opened next door, and in 1920 the Arcadia (i) closed and was demolished to make way for the Futurist. At the same time the Palladium was renamed the Arcadia and presented live shows until 1968 when the Futurist, which had presented live shows since 1957 was expanded to include a large stage over much of the Arcadia (ii) site. The exterior is largely clad in unattractive yellow panels but the original Italianate style faience façe largely survives behind and is visible at high level. It has a large auditorium with circle supported on twelve slender columns - four down each side and four central. Plain walls with pilasters. Plain balcony front, lyre-shaped and returned to decorative plaster pilasters at the proscenium wall for exits either side of stage. The ceiling is divided into two parts separated by a wide arch. Front portion is original with elliptical dome containing three ornamental ventilation grilles. Concealed lighting around rim. The rear ceiling is higher and plain, dating from 1968. Also in 1968 boxes were created either side of the proscenium from which the stage is completely hidden. The proscenium is plain, rectangular and functional. There is a deep wide stage with full tower and counterweight sets. The stage is above the foyer, so there are no traps. Front-of-house space is limited. The most recent management, Clear Channel, vacated in 2002 and the building is now held on short lease and successfully run by Barrie Stead. Its future, however, must still be regarded as uncertain as it is in a prime seafront location, and threatened with demolition.

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• Events
  • Owner/Management: Catlins (Scarborough) Ltd
  • 1921 Design/Construction:
    • F A Tugwell - Architect
  • 1957 Use: continung
  • 1957 Design/Construction: conversion to theatre; organ pipes removed and two staircases descending to stage constructed as artists' entrance (a la Radio City, New York).
    • Captain Ritson - Architect
  • 1959 Alteration: new wider proscenium.
    • Captain Ritson - Architect
  • 1966 - 1969 Alteration: stage extended; proscenium again remodelled, six large boxes created above rear circle; interior remodelled; exterior clad in yellow panels.
    • Cassidy, Farrington & Dennys - Architect
  • 2002 Owner/Management: Clear Channel Ltd, Barrie Stead (short lease)
• Capacities
  • Original: 2393
  • Later: 1966: 2015 1998: 2155
  • Current: 2155
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Proscenium rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 11.28m Width: 13.18m
  • Proscenium width: 10.87m
  • Height to grid: 13.75m
  • Orchestra pit: Original for 13