Lyric Theatre (Carmarthen)
- Theatre ID81
- Built / Converted1987
- Dates of use
- 1987: continuing
- Current stateExtant
- Current useTheatre
- Address8 King Street, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, 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.
Main entrance to The Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, 1995
© The Theatres Trust
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Events
- 1987 Use: continuing
- 1934 - 0 Design/Construction: as cinema (architect unknown).
- 1992 - 0 Alteration: extended, new fly tower, etc (architect unknown).
- 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
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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
