Westovian Theatre

Theatre ID
2546
Built / Converted
1949
Dates of use
- 1977 - 1976: continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (seaside shelter before 1948)
Address
Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 2JS, England

Details

An old seaside shelter was converted to a small community centre by South Shields Corporation in 1948, to make good the loss of the Queen’s Theatre (bombed in 1941). It opened in 1949 presenting repertory and concert shows, but closed in 1976 due to health and safety issues. In 1977 the Westovian Dramatic Society took a twenty-one year lease, and following works to conform to new theatre regulations it reopened in November of that year with raked auditorium and new foyer. The second stage of refurbishment, in 1981, saw the improvement of backstage facilities with new dressing rooms and further accommodation above them. The building was extended to provide a rehearsal room/studio space, workshop and new entrance. The external appearance of the building, with its blinded arcades and heavy top hamper with grey corrugated cladding is peculiarly uninviting. The old cast iron columns and fretted iron arch spandrels seen internally give touches of visual delight to what would otherwise be a somewhat utilitarian conversion.

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Other names
Pier Pavilion
Events
- 1977 - 1976 Use: continuing
- Design/Construction: n.d. as seaside shelter
  - Unknown - Architect
- 1949 Alteration: converted to theatre
  - (South Shields Corporation?) - Architect
- 1977 Alteration: major refurbishment, including raked auditorium, new foyer and box office
  - Unknown - Architect
- 1981 Alteration: extension to provide new entrance, rehearsal room/studio and workshop
  - Unknown - Architect
- 2001 Alteration: new bar in foyer
  - Unknown - Architect
- Owner/Management: South Shields Corporation
- 1972 - 1975 Owner/Management: South Shields Amateur Stage Council, lessees
- 1977 Owner/Management: Westovian Dramatic Society, lessees
Capacities
- Current: 292
Listings
- Grade Not listed
Dimensions
- Proscenium width: 6.7m x 3.9m