Royal (Cradley Heath)

• Theatre ID
  617
• Built / Converted
  1913
• Dates of use
  • 1970 - 1988: (closed as cinema)
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  disused
• Address
  High Street/Bank Street, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, England

Details

Opened as the Royal Electric Theatre. Present stage and dressing rooms added in 1918. The interior was substantially altered in 1938. A cinéariety with its original broad gabled red brick front to Bank Street relieved with sparse terra cotta ornament; ‘Royal Theatre’ in panel at first floor level; above this four oval windows in thin pedimented surrounds; thin bands across gable and lantern finials at springings and apex. The auditorium is subdivided and its original features are no longer discernible. The stage is used for works to motor vehicles. A modest and unpromising survival but it is interesting to reflect that this is one of the few purpose-built theatres left in the Black Country. It has the benefit of a deep stage and full flying.

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• Other names
  Royal Electric Theatre
• Events
  • 1970 - 1988 Use: (closed as cinema)
  • 1913 Design/Construction:
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1918 Alteration: new stage and dressing rooms added
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1938 Alteration: original auditorium decor covered by cladding
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1913 Owner/Management: Walter Williams, proprietor
  • 1945 Owner/Management: Howard Lee, owner
  • 1947 Owner/Management: Isobelle Dorsett, daughter of Howard Lee, owner
  • 1994 Owner/Management: Michael Dorsett, son of Isobelle, owner
• Capacities
  • Original: 950
  • Later: 1988: 740
  • Current: est. 500
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed
• Stage type
  • Pros rake
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 32ft 6in External width: c.62ft 6in
  • Proscenium width: 26 ft 9 in
  • Height to grid: 42 ft 10 in
  • Inside proscenium: 43 ft
  • Orchestra pit: None