Assembly Hall (Tunbridge Wells)

• Theatre ID
  2134
• Built / Converted
  1939
• Dates of use
  • 1939: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (multi-purpose civic theatre)
• Address
  Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU, England

Details

It is there, it works and it is the only other theatre in the Wells apart from the Trinity Theatre & Arts Centre (a church conversion of 1982). So much can be said in its favour. In every other way it pales into insignificance compared to the splendid Opera House which has been cruelly wasted by conversion to a pub. The Assembly Hall, adjoining the Council offices, is a brick building, externally a good representative of the civic architecture of its time. Odeonesque entrance canopy with streamlined terminals at either end. Above this, three tall recessed windows with spikey patterned glazing bars, carved stone lintels and thin hoods over. The interior is functional - an auditorium with balcony, it retains its original proscenium with rectangular motif decorations and similar decorations to ceiling of hall, and walnut dado panelling.

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• Events
  • Owner/Management: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
  • 1939 Use: continuing
  • 1939 Design/Construction:
    • Percy Thomas And Ernest Prestwich - Architect
• Capacities
  • Current: 940
• Listings
  • Grade II
• Stage type
  • Proscenium Rake 1:12
• Dimensions
  • Proscenium width: 11.89m
  • Height to grid: 17.68m
  • Orchestra pit: Flexible up to 22 or forestage