Regent Theatre

Significance

The Regent was designed for both cinema and theatre, and opened on Boxing Day 1914. It was taken over by Associated British Cinemas (ABC) in 1929 and remained in cinema use until the 1980s when it was converted to bingo use. More recently it has been in use as a nightclub, which also saw the return of some live performance and events. 

Architecturally it is an impressive building with a fine classical façade articulated by a pair of giant columns with iconic capitals on either side of the main entrance, and a central Diocletian window (a large semi-circular window divided into three sections by two vertical mullions) rising above. A frieze of artificial stone depicts images of comedy, tragedy, owls, baskets of fruit, lyres and other theatrical objects. 

The original plan included a tearoom to the left of the main entrance with ornately plastered ceiling and timber panelling; and a crush room to the right, which has since been converted to an amusement arcade. 

Internally, the splendid, highly-decorative, Rococo-style auditorium remains remarkably intact, with alterations for bingo use in the 1980s made sensitively without compromising the possibility of future theatre use. While stalls seating has been removed, the architectural features remain, including the four boldly projecting bow-fronted boxes supported on single slender columns either side of a now boxed-in proscenium, and the profusion of original decorative plasterwork adorning walls, ceiling, balcony, and box fronts. The stage house also remains intact. Originally with a capacity of 1,679, the theatre saw extensive live performance use; its 9m (30ft) stage supported by four dressing rooms. The theatre is a magnificent surviving example of its type. 

Why is this theatre at risk?

The Regent was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022. 

The building had been in use as bar and nightclub but this closed in 2016 and the theatre was then vacant for many years. It is understood that the current owner, a church group, has more recently started using the building on a Sunday for services, However, the previous prolonged period of vacancy has caused damage and deterioration, in particular to the auditorium plasterwork due to roof leaks. The roof has now been re-felted.  While the theatre is partially used, areas remain vacant and overall the building remains vulnerable. 

Theatre potential

The Regent is well located within Great Yarmouth’s town centre, between the seafront and its core shopping area. The building is believed to be substantially complete and could easily be reverted to theatre and live performance use. 

In 2025 Theatres Trust was contacted by The Bridge Trust Great Yarmouth, which has aspirations to restore and reopen the Regent as a theatre venue. The Bridge Trust has direct links to professional UK and West End producers and believes that there is both audience demand and a viable solution to see this beautiful building brought back into active theatre use. Theatres Trust has provided some early-stage advice and support to the group, however, progress will depend on opening discussions with the current owner to either sell or lease the building, or for an agreement on shared usage.  

Current situation

It is understood that the auditorium is now used by the church group for regular Sunday services. It is further understood that the church has an ambition to open a food bank in the tearoom. 
 
A change of use is required for both these uses of theatre and as of July 2026 no such planning application has been submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council. 

Following the Regent’s inclusion on the Theatres at Risk Register, Theatres Trust has been contacted by several groups, all with a focus on community and cultural ambitions and keen to see whether there may be opportunity for using the building. Most recently we have been contacted by the Bridge Trust Great Yarmouth, which owns St James Church, a succesful regeneration project. The group’s ambition is to restore and reopen the Regent as an active theatre venue. There is a further aspiration to incorporate sustainable energy in the form of ground source heat pumps, which could help provide an additional, alternative funding source for the project. 

Unfortunately, Theatres Trust has been unable to engage with the owner directly however it is hoped that they may be willing to enter into discussions with the Bridge Trust Great Yarmouth and collaborate on a solution to see the building fully restored and reopened as an important asset for the town and community. Theatres Trust will continue to seek engagement with all parties to ensure the protection and full revival of this magnificent theatre.

Main image, Regent Theatre Great Yarmouth by Ian Grundy.