Hartlepool Theatres
The Town Hall Theatre - The Empire Palace Theatre - The Alhambra Theatre / Grand / Hippodrome - The Theatre Royal - The New Theatre Royal / The New Gaiety Theatre / The Palace Theatre / Gaiety Cinema - The Victoria Music Hall
The Town Hall Theatre, Raby Road, West Hartlepool
Formerly - The Town Hall, Hart Lane
Above - A Google StreetView Image showing the Town Hall Theatre, Hartlepool in August 2023 - Click to Interact.
The Town Hall Theatre is situated on Raby Road, previously Hart Lane, in West Hartlepool and was originally constructed as the West Hartlepool Town Hall, it opened on the 1st of October 1897 and was accompanied by a Technical College. The Town Hall was designed by Henry Arthur Cheers from Twickenham in London and originally included an Assembly Hall which was enhanced with a Pipe Organ in 1926.
In 1977 the former Town Hall was renovated and reconstructed as a Theatre which is still in use today, and at the same time the former Technical College next to it was demolished. The Theatre is a traditional Proscenium Arched Theatre with seating for just over 400 people on two levels with a surrounding balcony. The Theatre also has a small theatre space above the main hall, rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, a bar called the Empire Bar, and even a theatre school. The Town Hall Theatre was refurbished in 1994 and is today a Grade II Listed Building.
You may like to visit the Theatre's own website here.
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The Empire Palace Theatre, Lynn Street, West Hartlepool
Above - The Empire Palace Theatre, West Hartlepool - Shown here with a Creative Commons (Attribution) Licence from the Cinema Treasures Website.
The
Empire Palace Theatre was built for Richard Thornton and designed by the Architects and Brothers William
and Thomas Milburn. The Theatre officially opened on the 13th of
December 1909 with a production
of 'The Toreador' by the West Hartlepool Amateur Operatic Society. But on the 20th of December the Theatre began it's true intended
use as a Variety Theatre with, as stated in
the opening Souvenir Brochure (Shown Right) 'High-Class Vaudeville.'
Right - The opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
The Theatre was actually a conversion of the former Free Trade Hall which had opened around 1885 and would later be converted into the Empire Circus and later the Imperial Skating Rink.
Left - Richard Thornton, owner of the Empire Palace Theatre, West Hartlepool when it first opened in 1909.
When the Empire Palace Theatre opened in 1909 it had seating for 1,818 people in its Stalls, Dress Circle, and Balcony levels, with two large Boxes either side of the Proscenium which could hold 16 people each.
There
now follows a message from the Theatre's original owner, Richard Thornton (Shown Left),
followed by a complete description of the building and its design from
the opening Souvenir Brochure (Shown Above Right), kindly sent in for
inclusion on this site by Cliff Reynolds. Some aditional images are from a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
Right - The Front Elevation of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool - From a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914 who said 'The auditorium is approached from the main entrance in Lynn-street. There is a spacious pit and two tiers above, and the stage is fully equipped for music-hall or theatrical performances. The floors are all constructed in concrete with expanded metal.
The Enterprise
For some years past Mr. Richard Thornton, who has long been connected with the modern Music Halls in Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, and many other places, has considered that a large and rising County Borough like West Hartlepool should have a first-rate Variety Theatre, conducted on the best principles, and furnished with the best talent. To find a suitable site was a matter of considerable difficulty, but after much negotiation the present site, which is practically an island, was secured: and the present theatre, which is one of the finest in Great Britain, is the result.
Description of the Building
Above - William and Thomas Milburn, architects of the Empire Palace Theatre, West Hartlepool
The
site of the Theatre is in the heart of West Hartlepool, the principle
parts of the house opening on to the busiest portion of Lynn Street.
The elevation into Lynn Street is a high imposing front in Renaissance design, and carried out by Marmo.
Visitors to the Theatre are protected from the elements by a verandah of handsome design, extending over the footpath.
Right - Management details from the opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
The grand staircase is quite open on to the street, and is carried out entirely in Pavonezzo marble, the steps being in white Cecilian.
The inner hall is approached from the top of the marble stairs by two mahogany swing doors, with a pay box in the centre. From the inner hall approach is made by terrazzo staircase on to the floor of the grand saloon, which is a fine square apartment with "IONIC" columns, forming it into the shape of an octagon, and the ceiling carried up in the form of a dome. The whole is handsomely decorated in white, green, and gold, and has an oak floor. The corners are upholstered with comfortable seating. This saloon is to be used as the waiting room for those using the stalls, dress circle, and boxes.
A roomy corridor leads from the grand saloon to the crush room, which is immediately behind the dress circle, and which has direct approach to the refreshment buffet, private boxes, and seats in the circle.
Above - Opening Night Details and Future Attractions - From the opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
The
auditorium is nearly 80 feet wide at the curtain line and 80 feet
in depth, so that no difficulty has been found in giving the seating
the right curve for good sight lines in every part of the house.
The ceiling of the auditorium is particularly handsomely decorated in fibrous plaster enrichments, with gold outline and ornament, keeping to the Renaissance feeling.
Right - Frank Allen, Director and assistant managing director Moss Empires Ltd., and Harry Esden, General Manager, also general manager Empire Theatre, Avenue Theatre, and Theatre Royal, Sunderland - From the opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
There is a large oval opening in the roof which is covered by a sliding roof worked from the stage, which it is expected will materially assist the ventilation and comfort of the house.
The stage boxes are specially arranged on a principle which has been found to be successful in Mr. Thornton's Sunderland Empire, the boxes being practically open on every side, made to face the stage, and sloping down from the circle to the level of the stage.
The
pit is very roomy and comfortable, having a good slope, and approached
by two doors from a large waiting room, which will practically hold
all persons waiting for seats.
The balcony also has a waiting room and separate entrances and exits.
The gallery is behind the balcony, and is approached from waiting rooms, and has separate exits.
Left - Geo F. Thompson, Resident Manager, late of the South Shields Empire - From the opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
The stage is particularly roomy, and is furnished with all the latest appliances as to scenery, electric equipment, and fire extinguishing apparatus. The dressing rooms face into Freeman Street, and have separate staircases, all fireproofed.
The whole of the tiers and floors in the auditorium
are carried out in concrete on steel.
The stage is shut off from the auditorium by a a fireproof curtain, which can be dropped from practically any part of the stage at a moment's notice. The stage is also shut off from the auditorium and the dressing room block by fire-proof doors.
Right - The Auditorium of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool - From a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
The whole of the fibrous plaster work inside has been carried out with a white ground and gold decorations, the wall panels being filled with green tekko. The upholstered work is also green, whilst the whole of the floors are carpeted with a golden brown carpet, the prevailing idea in the decorations being to keep the colouring quiet and restful, relying upon the architectural treatment of the ornament for general effect.
Ample provision is made against fire by the provision of fire hydrants with instantaneous couplings and hose lengths at various parts of the house, although it is anticipated that these will never be required, as the whole of the floors and tiers are fireproof, so far as the main construction is concerned.
Above - The Auditorium and Stage of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool - From a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
Great care has been bestowed on the ventilation of the
house, fresh air inlets being provided in various parts of the building,
with ventilating truncs at the rear of each tier, coupled up in each
trunk with electric fans to draw out the foul air from the back of
each portion of the building. The main roof is also fitted with large
foul air extractors.
Right - The Auditorium of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool - From a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
The electric light installation is of the most up-to-date character, being wired on the three-wire principle. The stage is lighted with the latest apparatus, and the lighting of the auditorium is very brilliant, the pendants being of chaste design in harmony with the surroundings. The lamps are all metal filament lamps, and shaded with cut glass shades.
Above - Plans of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool - From a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
Mr. A. E. Hopper, A.M.I.C.E., of Newcastle,
has acted as Consulting Engineer with respect to the electric light
installation.
The Theatre has been designed and the erection superintended by Messrs. Wm. & T.R Milburn, F.R.I.B.A., of Sunderland, who also carried out Mr. Thornton's Sunderland Empire.
The building has been supervised from the beginning by Mr. Harry Barker, as Clerk of Works.
Right - Contractors who built the Empire Palace Theatre, West Hartlepool - From the opening night Souvenir Programme for the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1909 - Courtesy Cliff Reynolds.
The building has been erected, including the pulling down of existing buildings, in the remarkably short space of seven months, and special mention should be made of the following firms, who have all contributed to this piece of construction.
The above article and description of the Empire Palace Theatre, West Hartlepool was kindly sent in for inclusion on this site by Cliff Reynolds. Images and text are from the Theatre's opening Souvenir Brochure, some aditional images are from a Supplement to The Builder, 26th of June 1914.
The Empire Palace Theatre had first opened in 1909 and was regularly screening early Films as part of its variety shows almost from the beginning and by 1930 it had a Western Electric Sound System installed for the showing of 'Talkies' on Sundays when live shows were not allowed.
Right - The Auditorium and Stage of the Empire Theatre, West Hartlepool in 1949 - From the Hartlepool Library Service Collection.
In 1956 the Theatre was taken over by Essoldo who closed the Theatre for major refurbishment which took three months to achieve. It reopened on the 2nd of April 1956 as a 'Luxury Cinemascope Cinema' with a showing of the Film 'The King and I' with Yul Brynner. However, after the run of this Film was over the Theatre went back to live shows again for a short while but this ended in 1959 when the Theatre was closed for conversion into a Bingo Hall.
Sadly this didn't save the Theatre for long and it was finally demolished in 1975 after a fire.
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The Alhambra Palace of Varieties, Lambton Street, West Hartlepool
Also known as The Alhambra Theatre and Opera House
Later - The Grand Theatre / Hippodrome
The Alhambra Palace of Varieties was situated on Lambton Street, off Lynn Street, in West Harlepool and was designed by Richard
Knill-Freeman and Robins, opening on Monday the 11th of August 1890 with a variety show. The Theatre was built for the West Hartlepool Palace of Varieties Company, Ltd., whose Managing Director was Richard Thornton (Shown Right) who would go on to open the Empire Palace Theatre on Lynn Street in 1909.
Right - Richard Thornton, owner of the Alhambra Palace of Varieties, West Hartlepool when it first opened in 1890.
The ERA reported on the new Alhambra Theatre in their 16th of August 1890 edition saying:- 'Competition in public amusements in the Hartlepools has been further intensified by the erection of a handsome and commodious building in Lambton-street, off Lynn-street, which was opened to the public as a music hall on Monday.
The new Alhambra Variety Theatre will be the only place of its kind in the two towns, the other establishments being devoted to the drama and equestrianism. The building, designed by Messrs Knill-Freeman and Robins, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, has been erected at a cost of £7,000, and will accommodate close upon 2,500 persons.
The stage measures 20ft. in depth, and 20ft. 6in. in proscenium width, and is so constructed that it can with slight alterations be adapted for dramatic performances. The stalls and circle are fitted with patent flap-chairs, upholstered in ruby plush. The striking feature of the auditorium is the noble sweep of the circle tier, from any part of which the spectator has an easy and uninterrupted view of the stage.
The lighting is on the latest and most approved principle, the means of ventilation are most adequate, the exits are numerous and easy of access, and in a fireproof curtain and fireproof staircases and passages, every precaution is taken for the safety of the audience in the event of fire or panic.
The scenery and act-drop are by Mr W. T. Helmsley, of London, and reflect great credit upon that clever artist.
The proprietors of the new building are the West Hartlepool Palace of Varieties Company, Limited, the managing director being Mr R. Thornton, who has a high reputation in Newcastle, Sunderland, and North and South Shields as a variety caterer, and who has now under his control no fewer than eight places of entertainment. The resident manager is Mr J. H. Milburn, of Sunderland.
The house was crowded from floor to ceiling on Monday, and presented a most brilliant appearance. The artists, who were all received with much favour, were Mr F. W. Millis, ventriloquist; Mr Steve Cook, character comedian; Professor Maccann, concertina soloist; Messrs Henness and Hanna, Negro comedians; Baby Langtry, juvenile artist; Rowley Harrison, Tyneside vocalist; and Messrs Griffin and Langan. Before the conclusion of the performance Mr J. G. Allen, Mr Thornton's principal representative, addressed a few words to the audience. Nothing, he said, that could offend the most fastidious would be tolerated by the management of the Alhambra, who intended that the performances should be conducted on lines that would make the building a family resort. In response to loud calls from the and audience Mr Thornton also stepped forward and bowed his acknowledgments. After the performance the management entertained the artists and a number of friends at a champagne supper on the stage.'
The above text in quotes was first published in the ERA, 16th of August 1890.
Renaming to The Grand Theatre
The Alhambra Theatre had first opened in August 1890 but just nine years later it was altered and renamed the Grand Theatre for its reopening on the August Bank Holiday Monday of 1899. The ERA reported on the changes in their 12th of August 1899 edition saying:- 'This handsome place of amusement, formerly known as the Alhambra, but now named the Grand, was reopened on Bank Holiday.
A complete transformation has been effected, and the decorations, which have been carried out by a local firm, are particularly pleasing. The structural alterations have been done by Messrs G. Howe and Co., West Hartlepool, who have removed the columns which formerly interrupted the view in certain parts of the house, supporting the circle and galleries on huge steel girders, after the most approved plan. As a result every seat in the house now commands a clear view of the stage.
The gallery has been completely rebuilt in such a manner as to give nearly 200 additional seats, and the seating capacity of the stalls and other parts of the house has been increased to an extent which provides additional accommodation for 300 persons.
Particular attention has been given to the ventilation of the building, which may now be said to be perfect. In the decorative work the admirable taste of the designer and the skill of the workmen who have carried out his ideas have resulted in an exceedingly fine effect. The ceiling and cornices have been done in old gold, green, and cream, harmoniously blended, and the walls and ceilings of the boxes, pit, and dress-circle glow with cream and crimson - a very pleasing effect.
The front of the gallery, which was originally only stencil work, has now been beautified with festoons of ivy leaf cordelera picked out with green, cream, and red, the effect of which is charming. The fibrous plaster work of the boxes has been treated in a similar artistic manner, the front of the boxes and circle being in old gold, cream, and green, in the Queen Anne style of shields, festooned with flowers, &c. The dado of the boxes has been coloured in exceedingly rich transparent crimson with a moulding of cream.
The proscenium borders and wings have also been redecorated and new plush tableau curtains, fitted together with new plush curtains to the boxes. The proscenium front presents a strikingly pretty appearance, the upper portion, which was formerly stencil work, has been done in panels of ivy-leaf in green, cream, and gold, with a central shield bearing the monogram of the proprietor, the greater portion of the work being asbestos, on account of its fireproof qualities. The theatre may now be truly said to be equal to any in the north of England in point of size, beauty, and comfort.
The reopening was given by The Trumpet Call company, under the direction of Mr Robert Arthur. At the conclusion of the performance, which was witnessed by a packed house, Mr Weldon Watts, the lessee-manager, appeared in front of the curtain and thanked the audience for their presence and for their patronage of the theatre under its old name of the Alhambra. Mr Watts gave a list of the many high-class productions he had booked for the coming season, and expressed the hope that he would still retain their patronage. He was heartily applauded.'
The above text in quotes was first published in the ERA, 12th of August 1899
Renaming to The Hippodrome Theatre
Having first opened in 1890 as the Alhambra Theatre, and then reopening in 1899 as the Grand Theatre, yet another change of name occurred in 1926 when it was rechristened the Hippodrome Theatre after refurbishment and redecoration.
Right - An Advertisement for the Hippodrome, West Hartlepool, Late Grand Theatre - From the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 30th of January 1926.
The Hartlepool Mail reported briefly on the changes in their 30th of January 1926 edition saying:- 'It will be noticed from our advertising columns that the place of amusements hitherto known as the Grand Theatre, will in future be styled as the hippodrome, and under that title will be re-opened on Monday next. The theatre has been acquired by Mr. R. Pailor, and during the time that it has been temporarily closed it has undergone cleaning and redecoration, and other improvements effected for the comfort and convenience of patrons.' - Hartlepool Mail, 30th of January 1926.
In 1929 the Hippodrome was converted for Cinema use and had a RCA Sound System installed for 'Talkies'. It had ten or so years of operation in this form and remained open during the first years of the war but it was put up for sale in 1941 and then requisitioned by the Ministry for War Use, and by the end of the war it was boarded up and never used again until its eventual demolition.
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The Theatre Royal, Whitby Street, West Hartlepool
The first Theatre Royal in West Hartlepool
was built in 1854. The Theatre was altered in 1899 by W. McDonald and again in 1910 by R. C. Stanfield, and yet again in 1921 by Kitching, Lee and Atchinson.
Right - A Programme Cover for the Theatre Royal, West Hartlepool, in 1885. The Programme shows the exterior and interior of the Theatre.
This first Theatre Royal in West Hartlepool was demolished in 1969.
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The New Theatre Royal, Mainsforth Terrace, Hartlepool
Later - The New Gaiety Theatre / The Palace Theatre / Gaiety Cinema
The New Theatre Royal was built
for John Batist, a publican in the town, and opened just 14 years after the first Theatre Royal in
Hartlepool in 1868. It was situated on Mainsforth Terrace opposite the Railway Station and cost around £4,500 to construct. The Theatre was designed by William Harrison with a capacity of around 1,800 people. The Theatre's Inauguration took place on Monday the 1st of June 1868 with the first Lesees of the Theatre being G. B. Loveday and O. Summers of the celebrated English Opera Company.
The Theatre went on to be a home for Plays, Opera, and Music Hall Entertainments until it was converted into a Music Hall proper in 1871 and renamed the New Gaiety Theatre.
Right - An Article on the closure of the Gaiety Cinema, West Hartlepool in 1957 - From the Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail, 17th of January 1957.
Taken over by the MacNaghten Vaudeville Circuit in 1904, it was re-named The Palace Theatre with a first inspection and Reception of the Theatre taking place on Saturday the 30th of July 1904 which included several musical acts accompanied by the Palace Orchestra. The Theatre had been closed for a while whilst Renovations and Redecorations had been carried out which included the installation of Electric Lighting, and the installing of a Safety Curtain. The Theatre officially opened on the 8th of August 1904.
The Palace Theatre went on to stage Music Hall and Variety Acts until it was eventually converted for Cinema use in 1934 and renamed the Gaiety Cinema. This was still operating in the 1950s but it was closed in January 1957, and was subsequently demolished in 1968.
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The Victoria Music Hall, Whitby Street, West Hartlepool
Sometimes Royal Victoria Music Hall / Victoria Concert hall
The Victoria Music Hall was situated on Whitby Street in West Hartlepool and is thought to have first opened
in 1859. The Music Hall was well known in the Town for often having trapeze artists and acrobats and for the fact that several accidents occurred over the years involving these artists, nearly always reported in the press as having been an exciting if terrifying event, luckily none of them were ever injured seriously.
Right - A Review for Kate Chatters performing at the Victoria Music Hall, West Hartlepool in 1870 - From the Newcastle Journal, 22nd of March 1870.
The Victoria Music hall was altered by the architects Thomos Angelo Moore and Sons in 1863 and was advertised by the 1870s as having Private Boxes at 1s 6d, Centre Boxes at 1s, Pitt seats at 6d, and Gallery seats at 3d.
The Manager of the Victoria Music Hall in the late 1860s to 1871 was a Mr. Rodway who was said to have produced 'Excellent Programmes' of entertainment and kept a 'Well conducted Hall'. But in 1871 the Music Hall, which was now owned by W. H. Wright, was being managed by Fred Fraser who advertised that he was no longer interested in Gymnasts and Trapeze Artists but was looking for Novelty Acts and First Class Male and Female Artists in all branches of the Music Hall professions. The Deputy Chairman of the Hall at this was Wilson Wright, the son of the owner. However, it wasn't long before Gymnasts were again appearing at the Hall and having accidents again which were reported in the press just like before.
In the 1880s for several years the Chairman of the Music Hall was Herbert Popplewell, who died in 1886. Press notices for the Victoria Music Hall dry up in the late 1860s so I imagine it must have closed down, the Music Hall is said to have been demolished in 1900.
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