|
|
||
|
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
|
||
|
Middlesbrough Theatres and Halls Hexagon Theatre - Little Theatre / Middlesbrough Theatre - Theatre Royal - Oxford Palace of Varieties - Empire Theatre - Hippodrome - Grand Opera House / Gaumont Cinema - Prince of Wales Theatre - The Pavilion Theatre, North Ormesby - Price's Spanish Circo - The Ship Inn Music Hall |
||
|
The Empire Theatre, Corporation Road, Middlesbrough Formerly the Empire Theatre of Varieties
Above - The Middlesbrough Empire Theatre in 2008 - Courtesy John West
Right - A programme for the Middlesbrough and District Operatic Society's production of 'The Three Musketeers' for the week of the 1st of May 1950.
Left - The auditorium of the Middlesbrough Empire in May 1989 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. The ERA printed a review of the opening proceedings in their 18th of March edition which you can read below but they also printed a review of the building itself in their 11th of March edition saying: 'A few details of the fine structure now nearly finished at Middlesbrough may prove of interest not only to those assisting at the opening, but to our music hall readers everywhere, and may convey to them some idea of the magnitude of the undertaking. The site selected for the building covers an area of upwards of 11,000 square feet, and it is admirably suited in every way for a place of public entertainment, having frontages on three sides to Corporation-road, Pine and Dunning-streets, and a right of way in the rear, thus being practically isolated. The peculiar adaptability of the site has enabled the architect to provide such complete and ample means of exit from the building that the public safety is assured against fire or panic. |
||
|
Above - The vestibule of the Middlesbrough Empire in a photograph take in 2008 - Courtesy John West The main approach is from Corporation-road, through a handsome vestibule 34ft. by 19ft., supported be magnificent marble columns with carved capitals. Upon entering the box-office faces one, and, adjoining, is the staircase to the stalls, whilst on the right is a broad staircase leading to the grand circle. There are two emergency exits from the stalls into Dunning-street and Pine-streets, and an emergency staircase from the grand circle into the former thoroughfare. The pit entrance is on a level with Dunning-street, with an emergency exit opposite, directly into Pine-street, whilst the gallery entrance is from the latter street, with an emergency exit into Dunning-street. It will be seen seen that the staircase towers at each angle of the building are striking features in the elevation.
Right - Some of the elaborate plasterwork in the vestibule of the Empire, Middlesbrough in a photograph take in 2008 - Courtesy John West. The grand circle, possessing ample lounges, has seating accommodation for 150 persons. Immediately in the rear, over the entrance hall, is the principal saloon, 34ft. by 27ft., approached by two short flights of steps, thus enabling a clear view of the stage to be obtained therefrom. Another saloon is also provided on the Dunning-street frontage. Both the entrance and exit staircases terminate in roomy lobbies, and there are communication staircases directly into the stalls from either side. Four private boxes flank the proscenium, and on the gallery level are two private boxes. The gallery itself has seating accommodation for 750 persons, and, as in other parts of the house, an uninterrupted view of the stage can be had. A suitable saloon is provided in the rear.
Above - The auditorium and stage of the Middlesbrough Empire in May 1989 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. The ceiling, proscenium, circle, and box fronts are in specially designed and modelled plastic work, decorated in cream and gold, following in a degree the Spanish Renaissance treatment of the exterior. For a theatre of varieties the stage is extremely roomy, and will permit of spectacular productions of all kinds. Its dimensions are as follows :— Width from wall to wall, 70ft.; average depth, 35ft.; height to flies, 25ft.; height to grid, 55ft.; proscenium opening, 30ft. square.
Above - The Circles of the Middlesbrough Empire in May 1989 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. Six spacious dressing-rooms are provided entirely distinct from the stage and in a separate block, each room being fitted up in the most approved manner. The stage entrance is from Dunning street, and the scenery entrance is in the rear of the building. Every precaution has been taken, in addition to the care observed in planning the numerous exits (eleven in all). Hydrants are provided upon every tier and upon the stage ready for immediate use, and fire buckets are placed in convenient positions. A fire-resisting curtain for effectually separating the stage from the auditorium has been supplied. A complete installation of electric plant has been erected at great cost, enabling the whole building to be illuminated by electricity. The heating is upon the low-pressure system, and the ventilations carefully arranged. The sanitation has received especial care, and is of the most modern and approved system throughout.
Above - The Dress Circle of the Middlesbrough Empire in May 1989 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. The exterior has been designed to group well with the fine municipal buildings adjoining, in the style of Spanish Renaissance, and, it is believed, is the first public building in England erected of this character. It is built of terra-cotta and red brick, with its ornamental features in modelled relief.
Left - Part of the ceiling decoration at the Empire, Middlesbrough in a photograph take in 2008 - Courtesy John West. Ironopolis has long needed a modern house for healthy recreation and amusement, and a most pleasing fact in connection with this undertaking is that it was instigated by an old resident of the town and the company with which he is connected. All contracts for the work as far as possible have been given to local contractors to facilitate the employment of local labour. The building has been designed by M Ernest Runtz, of London.' Above text in quotes from the ERA, 11th March 1899 - Courtesy BF. The ERA then printed a review of the opening of the Middlesbrough Empire in their 18th of March edition saying: 'On Monday afternoon, the magnificent, new Empire Palace of Varieties, Middlesbrough, was formally opened by the Mayor (Councillor T. W. Keay), in the presence of the magistrates, members of the Corporation, and a large and fashionable gathering of ladies and gentlemen.
Right - The Stage left box at the Empire, Middlesbrough in a photograph take in 2008 - Courtesy John West. In performing the opening ceremony the Mayor mentioned that he remembered the first theatre in Middlesbrough, which was a wooden building. Since then they had had two more modern theatres, and now they had that beautiful Empire. Although he had not been accustomed to go to theatres during the last thirty years, he had visited them not only at home but on the continent, in America and and Australia. If he had known much larger theatres than the one they were in, be had never seen one so ornamentally fitted. It afforded him great pleasure to be there, and he hoped the undertaking would be a success. Alderman Hugh Bell tendered his hearty congratulations not only to Mr Brill and Mr Graydon on the possession of such a splendid theatre, but also to Mr Runtz, the architect and designer, on his eminent success. Colonel S. A. Sadler, in a humorous speech, complimented the proprietors on the way they had carried out the work of providing a theatre of varieties in Ironopolis. The best wish he could tender to them was that that theatre, built on such beautiful lines, would be carried out on still more beautiful lines by the entertainments being such as not only to please the people, but also to satisfy the authorities. Mr John Brill, Mr Graydon, Mr Runtz, and Mr Matthew Murry suitably returned thanks, and a vote of thanks to the mayor for his presence having been accorded, the proceedings terminated.
Left - The Stage right side of the auditorium of the Empire, Middlesbrough in a photograph take in 2008 - Courtesy John West. Among the company engaged were Miss Lily Langtry, with a dashing style of rendering musing songs ; Miss Daisy Mayer, whose dancing was much enjoyed ; Miss Kitty Beresford, comedienne, who did well ; Manning and Prevost, who gave an exceedingly funny and truly marvellous acrobatic show ; George Adams, who rendered several baritone songs in good style ; D. J. M`Carthy, comic ; Bert Brantford, comic ; Ernest Lepard, comic ; Bros. Wartenburg, Risley performers ; Miss Minnie Cunningham, serio and dancer ; Naomi Ethardo, contortionist ; and Chas. Paver, comic. The opening performance was thoroughly successful and enjoyable, and when it came to a close, between eleven and twelve, the exits were found to be ample, and the theatre was cleared in a marvellously short space of time. There is a fireproof curtain, and a guarantee of the safety of the building in another direction is found in the fact that the constructional steelwork has been supplied by Messrs Dorman, Long, and Co. The scenery is typical and appropriate, and the curtain, representing silk draperies in white, blue, and gold, is in keeping with the splendours of the auditorium. The bars and lounges are all up to date.' Above text in quotes from the ERA, 18th March 1899 - Courtesy BF.
Right - One of the boxes at the Middlesbrough Empire in May 1989 - Courtesy Ted Bottle. The Theatres Trust says of the Empire 'The Empire is important as being the best of the only three surviving theatres designed by Runtz, the others being the New Theatre, Cardiff, and the Hippodrome, Hastings (where only the exterior now survives). The present owner seems to be proud of the building, so regret must, in this case, be tinged with relief. ' The Theatres Trust . However, comparing the condition of the auditorium in the photographs on this page from 1989 whilst in use as a Bingo House and then in 2008 whilst in use as a Nightclub one can see the deterioration of the auditorium that has occurred in the intervening years. The Grade II Listed Middlesbrough Empire is currently in use as a Nightclub and you may like to visit the Theatre's own website here. |
||
|
The Hippodrome Theatre, Wilson Street, Middlesbrough Later - The Astoria Ballroom / The Venue / Wonderland Bingo Club / Showboat Social Club / Chicago Rock Cafe The Hippodrome Theatre was built in 1908 for Middlesbrough Theatres, Limited, who also ran the Theatre Royal for a while. The Theatre was designed by the architect G. F. Ward of Birmingham and cost £20,000 to construct and fit out. The Proscenium of the new Theatre was 40 foot wide with a stage depth of 30 foot, and the auditorium which consisted of stalls, boxes, and two circles was capable of accommodating some 2,800 people. The Theatre opened on the 17th of August 1908 with a Variety show including Arthur Prince, Florrie Ford, and Jock White. In 1910 Cine Variety was established, but by 1913 the Theatre was being used mainly as a Cinema with only the occasional Variety show. The Theatre was bought by Denman-Gaumont in 1928 and the auditorium was reconstructed in the Art Deco style, however, the Hippodrome name was retained as there was another Gaumont Cinema in the town by this time, namely the former Grand Opera House. Cinema and occasional Variety continued until the Theatre was closed on the 1st of December 1956 when the building was converted into a Ballroom known as the Astoria Ballroom. In 1968 the Theatre was converted into a Social Club called the Showboat Social Club and later into a Bingo Club called Wonderland Bingo which ceased operations in 1987. In 1991 the building was furthur altered, this time into a Nightclub called the Venue. The Theatre's interior has been altered so much since it was first built that G. F. Ward would not recognise it as his Theatre today but the exterior remains much as it was when first built, although a flyover now runs directly in front of the building obscuring some of its detail. Despite all this the Hippodrome is a Grade II Listed building even though it is currently in use as a Chicago Rock Cafe, whilst the former stage is now in use as a Nightclub and Bar. There are a few photos of the building in its current guise here. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannon Street, Middlesbrough The Prince of Wales Theatre was situated in Cannon
Street, Middlesbrough and, according to the Dramatic Year Book and Stage
Directory, opened in 1875. The Prince of Wales Theatre, which is thought to have been a wooden building has long since been demolished. The information for this Theatre comes from The Dramatic Year Book and Stage Directory, The Stage newspaper archives and contributions from Ted Bottle. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Theatre Royal, Albert Street, Middlesbrough Later - The Theatre Royal, Sussex Street, Middlesbrough There have been two Theatre Royals in Middlesbrough, both of them built on the same site, but with their frontages facing different streets. The first Theatre, which fronted onto Albert Street, was built in 1866 and was designed by Blessey. This Theatre opened the same year as Price's Spanish Circo and the Ship Inn Music Hall under the ownership of J. C. Hunter on Saturday the 31st of March 1866 with a performance of 'The Foundling Fathers' and 'The Quiet Family'. The ERA reported on the Theatre's opening week in their 8th of April 1866 edition saying: 'This place was opened for a short season on Saturday last, and the company, with two or three exceptions, is entirely new. The performances commenced with The Foundling of the Forest and concluded with The Quiet Family. On Monday we had Macbeth, when Mr. James Robertson sustained that character very successfully; and Mr. W. G. Broughton, Macduff. The Lady Macbeth of Miss Jane Dawson was most enthusiastically received, exceedingly well read, and well acted. The other characters were taken by the stock company, of whose merits or demerits we shall speak in due course. My Precious Betsy was the farce, with Mr. Harold White as Mr. Bobtail. On Tuesday we had Don Clesar de Bazan, and on Wednesday. Ruy Blas, when Mr. James Robertson in the chief characters acted admirably. Mr. Harold White, as a comic singer, is a great favourite, and receives two or three calls nightly; while Miss Etty Morris, as an operatic danseuse, is very graceful and pleasing:' The ERA, 8th April 1866 - Courtesy BF. For some reason shortly after the Theatre opened the stage carpenter, Mr Towel, left suddenly and took some of the Theatre's property with him. The ERA carried a notice in their 1st of April edition saying: 'Wanted, to Join at Once, a stage Carpenter, in consequence of the last leaving without giving notice. Mr Towel, stage Carpenter, is requested to send back the property which probably he took by mistake.' In 1885 the Theatre
was closed for a while when its ventilation system was improved and
the interior was redecorated, a new act drop with a painting of the
Grand Canal in Venice was also installed at this time. The Theatre reopened
on the 4th of August 1885. In May 1890 the Dress Circle, Boxes, and the Orchestra Stalls were reconstructed and were provided with 'fold back lounges' which were upholstered in Crimson Plush. The renowned Theatre architect, Frank Matcham, was hired to alter the look of the auditorium at the same time. Matcham added a new arched ceiling and designed new plasterwork for the proscenium, box and circle fronts. A new act drop depicting the Silver Strand, Loch Katrine was created by the resident artist Fred Holder. Despite all the alterations over the years the owners seem to have been unsatisfied with the Theatre and several proposals were put forward for the building of a new Theatre Royal on a different site in the town. The Era carried a report on one proposal in their 28th of December 1895 edition saying: 'The proprietors of the Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough-on-Tees, have purchased a prominent site near the Municipal Building, Middlesbrough, in the heart of the town, for the erection of a new theatre. Mr Frank Matcham, the well-known theatrical architect, has been entrusted with the plans. The entrance to the theatre will be from Corporation road, which is the widest thoroughfare in the borough. With regard to the existing Theatre Royal, which has been occupied by Messrs Imeson for many years, the idea at present is to convert it into a People's music hall.' The ERA, 28th of December 1895 - Courtesy BF. This came to nothing however, but other ideas were still being proposed. The following year the ERA carried another notice in their 28 Mar 1896 edition saying: 'The Middlesbrough Theatres, Limited, is a company which has been formed for the purpose of acquiring the freehold land and premises of the Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough, &c., and also of acquiring a freehold site in the centre of the town, and the erection thereon of a new theatre, fitted up in the best style, provided with all modern appliances, and the electric light, at a cost, including the purchase of the freehold, of £21,000. It is proposed that on the completion of the new theatre the existing house shall be used as a music hall. The present Theatre Royal has been carefully surveyed by the well-known architect, Mr Joseph Potts, and his valuation amounts to £21,010. The site for the new theatre is situated between Wilson-street and Bolckow street, close to the principal thoroughfare of the town, and within three minutes walk of the railway station.' The ERA, 28th March 1896 - Courtesy BF. However, this idea came to nothing in the end too and
the Theatre remained in business right up until the 12th of May 1899
when it was finally closed down for a complete rebuild on the same site.
A notice in the ERA of the 5th of May stated:
'The Theatre Royal, Middlesbrough, is about to be reconstructed at a
cost of £9,500, and the numerous friends of Messrs George and
Charles Imeson, the genial managing - directors of the Middlesbrough
Theatres, Limited, are taking advantage of the occasion to do honour
to the worthy caterers for the public. The theatre closes at the end
of next week, and it is hoped that the alterations will be completed
by November. On the 14th inst. a complimentary concert will be given
to the Brothers Imeson, to whom presentations will be made. The ERA,
5th May 1899 - Courtesy BF. The auditorium has been constructed on pretty much the old plan, but the depth has been considerably increased, and accommodation is given for fully 600 more people, the building now being capable of holding 2,000 persons. The whole of the seating on the ground floor has been rearranged with a view to affording every comfort to the patrons of this part of the house. There are several rows of tip-up chairs in the orchestra and pit stalls admirably upholstered, and about a dozen rows of pit seats, the pit floor being gradually raised to the back to provide a good view of the stage. Handsomely furnished and draped private boxes have been provided on the sides of the proscenium. The whole of the dress-circle and upper boxes have been carpeted with a thick warm cork carpet of terra cotta colour, and the charming artistic work on the front of the boxes and gallery, painted in lighted and gold colours, and a ceiling of painted flowers all combine to make the Middlesbrough new theatre one of the most luxurious in the North, The stage is somewhat larger than before, and is fitted with the latest improvements. There are additional exits, and every provision has been made by the able managing-directors, Messrs George and Charles Imeson, for the safety and convenience of all those visiting this new and well-appointed place of entertainment. For the reopening of the theatre on Christmas Eve, Mr Arthur Milton's spectacular pantomime Aladdin was selected as the attraction. The performance concluded with a grand finale entitled, "England's Defenders," in which all the regiments who have been or are at present at the front were represented. Miss Louie Guildford as the principal boy acquitted herself with spirit and dash, and her performance was completely successful. In the part of the principal girl Miss Georgie Corlass did well, and her vocal efforts were very much enjoyed. Mr Harry Bickley gave an amusing impersonation of the Spotter; while as Abanazar Mr Arthur Hayman created a good deal of fun. Mr Fred Spencer was responsible for the character of Widow Twankey, and in the part he caused a good deal of laughter. The lively dancing of the Nine Rosebuds was keenly appreciated, and the Welsh Singers' rendering of well-known pieces was greatly enjoyed. Messrs Otto and Twist, in their speciality business, were well received. Under the conductorship of Mr Vincent Exley, the orchestra was ably handled. At the close Councillor Charles Imeson, who was accompanied on the stage by Colonel S. A. Sadler, M.P., Mr Geo. Imeson, Mr George Hoggett (chairman of the directors), Mr Arthur Milton, and Mr Gibbs, thanked the audience for their attendance and the hearty reception they had accorded the pantomime. The alterations and improvements to the theatre, he said, were not quite complete; there was a little more embellishment to be done. When this was accomplished the directors hoped their efforts would meet with the same encouragement from the public of the town and neighbourhood as in the past. The member for the borough, Colonel Sadler, had been kind enough to promise to formally reopen the theatre, and he had great pleasure in calling upon him to perform the ceremony. Colonel Sadler then formally reopened the theatre, and warmly congratulated Messrs Imeson and their co-directors on the new house. The ERA, 29th December 1900 - Courtesy BF. Only six years after the new Theatre opened it was closed for redecoration, this time in white and gold with walls of rich crimson and floors covered with crimson velvet pile carpets. The Theatre reopened on the 6th of August 1906. In 1912 the Stage Guide wrote that the Theatre had ten dressing rooms, a stage of 60 foot wide by 40 foot deep, a proscenium height of 24 foot and a grid height of 60 foot. The Theatre Royal closed as a live theatre in 1930 and
went over to full time Cinema, later passing into the hands of the Essoldo
Circuit. However, Essoldo reopened the building as a live theatre again
in 1950 with a mixture of Repertory and Touring Revues and the Theatre
continued in this vain until it was finally closed and demolished in
1978. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Oxford Palace of Varieties, Middlesbrough Also known as the Oxford Music Hall / The Oxford Theatre The Oxford Palace of Varieties, Middlesbrough was built in 1867. In 1890 the Theatre was closed for alterations and the construction
of a new proscenium by Charles Kirkham of Middlesbrough, reopening on
the 4th of August 1890. Right - A notice in the Northern Echo of the 27th of December 1900
advertises forthcoming attractions at the Oxford Theatre, Middlesbrough
- Courtesy BF. In February 1904 the Theatre's licence renewal was refused until far better fire prevention throughout the building had been accomplished. This included the lengthening of fire hoses, the prohibition of smoking under the stage, a new fire curtain to be installed, all emergency doors to be fitted with springs, and a fireman to be employed on the premises until all this could be completed. This was obviously achieved and the Theatre was reopened. In 1912 it was stated that the auditorium was capable of housing 1,000 people. Sadly the Oxford Theatre was bombed in 1941 and subsequently demolished. The information for this Theatre comes from The Dramatic Year Book
and Stage Directory, The
Stage newspaper archives and contributions from Ted
Bottle. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Grand Opera House, Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough Later the Gaumont Cinema The Grand Opera House, Middlesbrough was designed by the architects Hope and Maxwell who also designed the rebuilt Theatre Royal in the town in 1900. The Opera House opened on the 7th of December 1903 with a production of 'My Lady Molly' and had an auditorium decorated by A. R. Dean of Birmingham which had a handsome dome supported by marble pillars and a capacity of 3,000. The Theatre was lit by electricity throughout and its exterior was built with red brick dressed with Crombie's artificial stone. On the Theatre's opening it was unable to gain a drinks licence due to the efforts of the Watch Comittee and the fact that it was opposite the Congregational Church. On February the 26th 1907 the Theatre was sold to the Chairman of Directors for £23,000 and was stated at the time as having Seating for 2,600 and standing room for 700. In 1912 the Stage Guide stated that the Theatre had 12 dressing rooms, ten private boxes, and an auditorium which was comprised of stalls, pit, pit stalls, dress circle, circle, gallery, and amphitheatre. The stage was stated to be 63 foot wide by 40 foot deep. The proscenium was 32 foot high by 30 foot wide and the grid height was 60 foot. The Grand Opera House was converted for Cinema use in the 1920s and renamed the Gaumont. The Theatre was demolished in 1964. If you have any more information or images for this Theatre that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
Price's Spanish Circo, Middlesbrough Price's Spanish Circo opened in March 1866, the same year as the first Theatre Royal and the Ship Inn Music Hall were built in the town.. The ERA reported on the venture in their 30th of March 1866 edition saying: 'This place of amusement is very attractive, and is well patronised. The various members of the Wells and Meers Families in their different lines of business give satisfaction. Mons. Oriel (bottle equilibrist) is exceedingly clever, while Hogini, Adams, and Oriel (the Clowns) are amusing and humorous. The performance on Saturday closed with Dick Turpin's Ride to York, and on Monday and following evenings with Timour the Tartar, when Mr J. W. Ennis and Miss Laura Selton, who were engaged at the Theatre previous to its closing, appeared, and were well received. The ERA, 30th March 1866 - Courtesy BF. However, Price himself seems to have failed in the venture and soon sold his horses and props at auction on the 31st of March, although the company continued on their own. The ERA mentions this situation in their 8th of April 1866 edition saying: 'On Saturday last Mr. Price's horses and properties were sold by auction.
The establishment has only been open a few weeks, and doing a good business,
in no respect, we think, a losing affair. The company remain and perform
nightly to tolerable audiences on their own responsibility.' The
ERA, 8th April 1866
- Courtesy BF. If you have any more information or images for this venue that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Ship Inn Music Hall, Middlesbrough The Ship Inn Music Hall, Middlesbrough was open in March 1866 and running under the ownership of T. Wynn. However, the ERA caried a notice about the hall's closure in their 30th of March edition saying: 'This week we observe no alterations in the company. We also may just state that in three weeks or a month this Room will be closed, as Mr Wynn is about to enter premises of his own not convenient for concerts, and that we shall be left without a Concert Hall in the town. Any Manager who understands the business would find in Middlesbrough a good chance to speculate. The ERA, 30th March 1866 - Courtesy BF. If you have any more information or images for this venue that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Hexagon Theatre, Middlesbrough The Hexagon Theatre is the only thrust stage venue in the region and is part of the Hall Garth Community Arts College. In 2009 the Theatre is scheduled to be demolished along with the Hall Garth and King’s Manor buildings when the schools merge and move into a new building on the same site. You may like to visit the Theatre's own website here. If you have any images for this venue that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Middlesbrough Theatre, the Avenue, Middlesbrough Formerly The Little Theatre The Middlesbrough Theatre was originally opened as the Little Theatre in 1957 by Sir John Gielgud and had seating for 484 and large stage of 70 foot wide by 40 foot deep. On the 17th of July 1996 the building was renamed the Middlesbrough Theatre. The Middlesbrough Theatre is currently run as a charitable trust with the local Council as the main trustees. You may like to visit the Theatre's own website here where there is also a full history of the Theatre in Pdf format here. If you have any images for this venue that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
The Pavilion Theatre, Esk Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough The Pavilion Theatre on Esk Street, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough was built in 1906 as a small variety Theatre with a capacity of 1,000. In 1916 it was converted for use as a Cinema by installing a roll up screen which meant that it could still house live theatre, however, for most of its life since this conversion it was used almost exclusively as a cinema. The auditorium of the Pavilion was built on two levels, stalls and one balcony. In 1943 the capacity was reduced to 600. In the 1950s the building was converted for Bingo use. In 1992 a new entrance to the building was constructed to the side of the Theatre and the stage access doors were blocked off. The balcony was also partitioned off and the rear stalls were converted for office use. The Theatre is currently in use as a Children's out of School care centre. If you have any more information or images for this venue that you are willing to share please Contact me. |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
The
foundation stone for the Middlesbrough Empire Theatre of Varieties was
laid on Thursday the 4th of November 
Fourteen
months later the Middlesbrough Empire was complete and the Theatre was
formerly opened on Monday the 13th of March 
The
auditorium is nearly square, being 60ft. in width, 63ft. deep, and the
average height to the false ceiling is 45ft. The area comprises orchestra
stalls, stalls, and a pit, with seating accommodation for about 450.
Spacious saloons are provided, and a clear view of the stage is obtained
from both. 
With
two such caterers for public amusement as Messrs John Brill and J. L.
Graydon, as managing director and chairman respectively, it goes without
saying that the performances will be of a similar nature to those so
universally successful at the 
We
published last week a 
The
first performance given in the evening was naturally inaugurated by
a verse of "God Save the Queen," which the audience arose
and sang, led by Mr George Adams, a baritone vocalist, and accompanied
by the band under Mr G. W. Greenfield. The theatre at this point presented
an extremely brilliant appearance, which was assisted by the banks of
flowers at each side of the stage, and by numerous bouquets. In the
strong programme for the opening night the principal attraction was
the musical entertainment given by the Savonas, who play on over fifty
instruments. The Elliott Troupe of trick bicycle riders also proved
very popular. The programme contained seventeen turns in all. It was
a fête night, and the lady artists were the recipients of numerous
bouquets, not forgetting the doll presented to the tiny youngster of
the Elliott Troupe, Mr Greenfield handing up the bouquets on behalf
of he givers. 
The
Empire continued as a 
In