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Playhouse

2464

A vast cinema, seating 1850, situated in a side road of the town centre. Designed by Robert Cromie, the Playhouse had a large stage and featured quite extensive professional use until closure in 1970. Latterly this was mainly pop concerts, but initially many variety stars did odd nights or full weeks here.

The wide façade is in three major bays, the centre one over the small entrance canopy, and, above this, a blind, fluted attic. The outer bays have tall narrow windows lighting the stairs. Above the stairs windows are masks looking rather like a combination of comedy/tragedy and lions! The side elevation is bland.

Stage access and dressing rooms are at the rear of the building in a minor road and, because of the slope of the land, are at a high level, maybe second floor.

The auditorium, on two levels, is sparsely ornamented. The ceiling contains grilles and the rectangular proscenium is stepped down in four ribbed stages. On either side of the ante proscenium is a rectangular recessed niche, probably originally containing modelled figures.

After many years of bingo the Playhouse is now boarded up and unused although it appears secure and in good condition.

Built / Converted
1931
Dates of use
  • 1931 - 1970
Current state
Extant
Current use
Disused
Address
Crackenedge Lane, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
ABC
Events
  • 1931 Design/Construction:
    Robert Cromie
    - Architect
  • 1931 - 1970 Use:
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    1850
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1966: 1750
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Proscenium flat
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -