Alhambra (Dunfermline)

• Theatre ID
  2318
• Built / Converted
  1922
• Dates of use
  • 1922 - 1925: then 2008 continuing (as theatre).
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (cinema from 1925; bingo 1965-2006; reopened as theatre 2008)
• Address
  33 Canmore Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7NX, Scotland
• Website
  • The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline

Details

Modest three storey entrance block of three bays with red sandstone dressings to Canmore Street, with castellated fly tower facing New Row. The foyer is lofty with composite columns and pay booths flanking a high arch. The auditorium is spacious and theatrical in form and decoration (similar to Milburn & Milburn designs of the same period). A single large fully cantilevered balcony meeting stacks of superimposed stage boxes with enriched pilasters and broken pediments, two each side. The proscenium arch is curved with egg and dart moulding and flanking pilasters leading to a large stage. Above the pros is a deep frieze with cartouches and a flat panelled ceiling. The theatre was safely used as a bingo hall from 1965 until 2006, when it lay closed and disused. In 2007, however, it was purchased by a private developer and a restoration scheme was drawn up to restore the building and return it to theatre use. The theatre reopened on 7 June 2008, with an ongoing programme of refurbishment as funds are raised.

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• Other names
  The Alhambra Picture House, Carlton Bingo Hall
• Events
  • 1922 - 0 Design/Construction:
    • John Fraser - Architect
  • 1922 - 0 Owner/Management: Dunfermline Alhambra Ltd (Henry Hare)
  • 1998 Owner/Management: Carlton Leisure
  • 1949 - 1950 Alteration: minor alterations
  • 1922 - 1925 Use: then 2008 continuing (as theatre).
  • 2008 - 0 Alteration: reopened as theatre; ongoing programme of refubishment.
  • 2007 - 0 Owner/Management: private ownership (Bill Fletcher); run by Charitable Trust.
• Capacities
  • Later: 1951: 1700
  • Current: 1,192 (625 circle; 567 stalls)
• Listings
  • Grade B
• Stage type
  • pros, flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: d: 40ft
  • Proscenium width: 37ft
  • Height to grid: 60ft approx.
  • Orchestra pit: original - covered over at present (2009)