The Theatres Trust

Savoy (Portsmouth)

  • Theatre ID
    923
  • Built / Converted
    1937
  • Current state
    Extant
  • Current use
    Cinema (Triple cinema)
  • Address
    335 Commercial Road/Fitzherbert Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Details

William Glen designed the theatre in his characteristic style: the frontage featured flowing lines and a round tower. On the upper levels, the small flat roofs were arranged to give a stepped ‘ocean liner’ effect. A feature of the interior, which was in the same flowing style as the exterior, were the decorative metal grilles to the windows and doors, and the metal handrails. The main foyer had a terrazzo floor. Dressing rooms were provided backstage. There was a Compton Organ. It is thought that live entertainment could not be accommodated after the 1967 modifications to the proscenium and stage for the installation of Todd-AO. Now sits on a roundabout.


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  • Other names
    ABC, Cannon
  • Events
    • Design/Construction: C
    • Owner/Management: ABC (later EMI, Cannon, MGM - successors), owners
    • 1937 Design/Construction:
      • W R Glen - Architect
    • 1944 Alteration: reinstated after war damage
      • Unknown - Architect
    • 1960 - 1969 Alteration: stucco frontage covered with mosaic tiles; refurbished in luxury lounge style
      • Unknown - Architect
    • 1967 Alteration: proscenium modified for Todd-AO (70mm) screen
      • Unknown - Architect
    • 1982 Alteration: tripled
      • Unknown - Architect
  • Capacities
    • Original: 1911: (1212 stalls, 699 circle)
    • Later: 1982: 1000?
  • Listings
    • Grade Not listed
  • Stage type
    • Pros flat
  • Dimensions
    • Orchestra pit: Original

Of the period

Façade of the Odeon, Colchester, 2000
Odeon (Colchester)
Colchester

Have you seen?

New signage outside the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, January 2011.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Swan Theatre
Stratford-upon-Avon

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The National Advisory Public Body for Theatres