Pavilion (Bournemouth)

• Theatre ID
  607
• Built / Converted
  1929
• Dates of use
  • 1929: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre (and ballroom)
• Address
  Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU, England

Details

The Pavilion was first proposed in 1876. The second of two competitions assessed by Sir Edwin Cooper led to the design by G Wyville Home and Shirley Knight being selected. This had been modified by the time it was executed in 1928-9. The complex consists of a theatre/concert hall (originally designed for the Municipal Orchestra, with a fly tower added in 1934) a ballroom and restaurant. Brick and Empire stone elevations in Beaux Arts manner, partly two, partly three-storey with the central block flanked by pavilions and with later additions in matching style. The main entrance is set in a shallow portico with square columns in antis. Hipped, pantiled roofs, that to the main theatre block being in the form of a shallow pyramid crowned by a low cap, somewhat reminiscent of the roof of the Tower of the Winds. The auditorium is approached through a cross-vestibule containing principal circular staircases to left and right, and a 'silence' corridor. The auditorium is square on plan with a domed ceiling and is decorated in a restrained Grecian manner. It has raked stalls and at high level there is a promenade on three sides behind the perimeter columns; simply decorated front to dress circle. The proscenium is plain, supported by two square columns with reeded ante-proscenium housing the organ pipes. The Compton organ (1929) is on a lift at the side of the orchestra pit. The Pavilion, when listed in 1998, was described as 'an excellent example in good condition of a purpose-built multi-purpose entertainment venue built to serve a major sea-side resort. Other resorts do not have such a complete and complex example of this style and period.' The Pleasure Gardens which surround the Pavilion are on English Heritage's Garden Register.

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• Other names
  Concert Hall
• Events
  • 1929 Use: continuing
  • 1929 Design/Construction:
    • G Wyville Home & Shirley Knight - Architect
    • Jones & Sewand Ltd - Builder
  • 1934 - 0 Alteration: concert platform converted to stage house; flying system, revolve and lift to stage installed (architect unknown).
  • 1950 - 1959 Alteration: further remodelling (architect unknown).
  • 1980 - 1989 Alteration: foyer areas improvements (architect unknown).
  • Owner/Management: Meyrick Estate, owners
  • Owner/Management: Bournemouth Borough Council, lessees
• Capacities
  • Later: 1946: 1518
  • Current: 1518
• Listings
  • Grade II - Listed January 1998
• Stage type
  • Proscenium flat
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 12.19m Width SL: 4.88m SR: 6.1m
  • Proscenium width: 13.64m x 8.53m
  • Height to grid: 14.63m
  • Orchestra pit: Original. Forestage lift to provide orchestra pit.