Pomegranate

Built in 1879 as the Stephenson Memorial Hall, it was enlarged in 1898 and given a proper stage. In 1910 the hall achieved its present dimensions, with a raked auditorium. The original hall was intended for a multiplicity of uses, public concerts, etc but was poorly equipped for theatrical performance. By 1910, theatre use was fully achievable but was still one of many uses. Since the further improvements carried out in 1949, it has operated as a theatre, financed by the borough council.

The theatre forms part of a larger block with museum, etc, all in uniform style, brick and stone with gothic windows and door openings; tower with spire. The stage extension with its low fly tower, built in 1898, employed matching materials. In addition to the theatre the complex now contains the local museum.

The auditorium as now seen is the result of a series of past alterations. Still visible, the fine arched trusses of the 1879 hall. Balcony and slips fronts in five straight sections with ornamental panels; plain walls; proscenium framed by square columns supporting a low-arched tympanum. Raked stalls; orchestra pit for sixteen players. There is evidence of the former existence of wood stage machinery, but none remains.