Palace (Swansea)

• Theatre ID
  411
• Built / Converted
  1888
• Dates of use
  • 1888 - 1982
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  disused (mainly cinema after c.1912; most recent use as nightclub)
• Address
  156 High Street, Swansea, West Glamorgan, SA1 1AE, Wales

Details

Opened in 1888 as Swansea Pavilion. Dramatic exterior on triangular site, in brick with ample stone dressings. Circular tower at the apex (stage end) which originally had a truncated spire, and a square tower at each of the other two corners with curved pavilion roofs. The base of the triangle (rear wall of the auditorium) faces a narrow street and is in plain brickwork. The other two façes, however, flank main streets, and on approaching the theatre from the High Street both fronts can be seen simultaneously as they splay outwards from the corner. The elevational treatment of the two fronts is similar - the ground floor with banded rustication and a series of semi-circular arched doorways and windows, and the two upper floors embraced by giant Doric pilasters. These form an interesting rhythm of bays - alternately blank and with windows; vertically linked by panels containing busts and pedimented in the upper storey. Above the pilasters is a deep entablature, carried continuously around both fronts. The auditorium is at first floor level, in order to provide space below for the necessary ancillary accommodation on the tight site. Its present appearance results from modifications for cinema use and bingo, and some changes following a fire in 1949, but its early form is still apparent, very intimate with two steeply raked balconies which curve around to the proscenium, now without boxes. The balconies have iron open-balustrades which have been juggled around to suit altered stepping at the lower level. The upper balcony has its original gallery seating. The stalls floor has been flattened for dancing. Capacity if reseated, perhaps 600 plus. As the stage is at the narrow end of the site, it is small and trapezium-shaped, but adequate for variety turns not requiring elaborate sets. The exterior has looked sad and neglected for some years with windows boarded up, but club use has done no irreparable harm and there were encouraging signs (in 1997) that the restoration and reopening of this charming theatre might prove feasible.

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• Other names
  The Pavilion Theatre of Varieties, Empire, The Palace Theatre of Varieties, by The Swansea Popular Picture Hall, The Palace Theatre of Varieites
• Events
  • 1888 - 1982 Use:
  • 1888 Design/Construction:
    • Bucknall & Jennings - Architect
  • 1953 Alteration: restored following fire
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1961 Alteration: converted to bingo
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1890 Owner/Management: Mr & Mrs Lafargue, managers
  • 1892 Owner/Management: Oswald Stoll, lessee
  • 1902 Owner/Management: Lady Mansell & W L Hunt, managers
  • 1904 Owner/Management: T W Grantham, lessee
  • 1906 Owner/Management: W Coutts, owner and manager
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Swansea Improvements & Tramways Ltd, owners; William Coutts, lessee
  • 1916 Owner/Management: South West Electric Theatres Ltd, lessees; W G Christian, manager
  • 1953 Owner/Management: Maudie Edwards
  • 1961 Owner/Management: bingo
  • 1992 Owner/Management: Des Brown & Peter Bennet
  • 1992 Owner/Management: Paul & Christopher James
• Capacities
  • Original: 893
  • Later: 1889: 901 1912: 1200
  • Current: est. 450
• Listings
  • Grade II
• Dimensions
  • Proscenium width: 28ft x 26ft high
  • Orchestra pit: None