Lyric Theatre

• Theatre ID
  81
• Built / Converted
  1987
• Dates of use
  • 1987: continuing
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Theatre
• Address
  King Street, Carmarthen, Dyfed, SA31 1BD, Wales

Details

The Lyric Cinema was empty and desolate during the period 1980-86 when it was suggested that it should be redeveloped. Incredibly a refurbishment then took place which made the building the (then) fourth largest theatre in Wales. The Lyric has but a narrow passage way between two shops as its contribution to the street scene, but behind this inauspicious opening lies a good example of Art Deco which has been largely retained in the transformation. After initial attempts to purchase the theatre the Welsh Office and Welsh Development Board made £750,000 available to build a new fly tower with 21 single purchase and 11 double purchase counterweight sets; an orchestra pit for 64 players, with hydraulic lift; a backstage extension for wardrobe and dressing rooms. Within the auditorium the existing circle was considered to be too high so a smaller dress circle, with 80 seats, was built in front of the film projection box, the old circle becoming the upper circle. A fine end product of the effectiveness of a community activity with enormous enthusiasm, commitment and vision.

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• Events
  • 1987 Use: continuing
  • 1934 Design/Construction: as cinema
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1992 Alteration: extended, new fly tower, etc
    • Unknown - Architect
  • 1987 Owner/Management: Carmarthen District Council, owners
  • 1992 Owner/Management: Carmarthen & District Youth Opera (Lyric Theatre Trust Carmarthen Ltd), lessees
• Capacities
  • Later: 1992: 740
  • Current: 740
• Listings
  • Grade Not listed - Listing rejected by CADW
• Stage type
  • Pros. Rake 1:6
• Dimensions
  • Stage dimensions: Depth: 10.36m (34ft) Width: 14.01m (46ft)
  • Proscenium width: 11.57m (38ft)
  • Height to grid: 15.23m (50ft)
  • Orchestra pit: Original