Pier Theatre

The theatre is situated at the shore end of the pier, which itself dates from 1865. As now seen, the front takes the form of a cross wing with pediments at either end, ornamenting otherwise plain flanks. A central segmental pediment is flanked by two short square towers, but the architectural effect is lessened by single storey forward extensions.

Originally the main roof had what was described as a ‘handsome dome’ at the centre (the base of the drum is still visible). The flytower, said to be unsafe, was demolished in 1976. Other refinements were also lost including the timber colonnaded walkway.

The auditorium still remains intact, but a false floor (theoretically removable) was inserted in 1992 at circle level to provide a dance floor. Above this four rows of stepped seating arranged in a horseshoe with a wooden balustrade separating circulation areas. Rich plasterwork including dentiled cornice, fruity ribbed curved ceiling with panels and proscenium decorated with swags and cartouche.