Mitchell Memorial Theatre

• Theatre ID
  2563
• Built / Converted
  1957
• Dates of use
  • 1957: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (Amateur/community use)
• Address
  Broad Street, Hanley, Staffordshire, ST1 4HG, England
• Website
  • http://www.stoke.gov.uk/mitchelltheatre

Details

The idea of commemorating the life of R J Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire, originated in 1943 although the building was not completed until 1957. The building comprises a number of meeting or activity rooms built around a 350 seat single tier theatre. The proscenium stage has no fly tower but a high loft with hemp and hand winch flying. There is no orchestra pit but a large workshop/store. There are 350 seats in 3 blocks. The auditorium is unusual in that the centre section is mounted on a lifting mechanism which pivots on its centre line to bring it level with the stage. The mechanism is no longer in use. However, the building still contains original thermoplastic tiles, characteristic cast iron radiators and ‘Festival of Britain’ style ballustrades.

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• Other names
  Mitchell Centre
• Events
  • 1957 Use: continuing
  • 1957 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1957 Design/Construction:
    • Hall Stage - Consultant: Tilting Floor
  • Owner/Management: Charitable Trust, owners; local authority, manager
• Capacities
  • Current: 380
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 24ft plus 5ft apron Width: 28ft; wing SR 11ft
  • Proscenium width: 8.53m wide 12ft high
  • Orchestra pit: Can be created by removing first 2 or 3 rows of seating