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Palace Theatre and Dixon Studio, 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex

Also known previously as Raymond’s New Picture Palace / The New Palace Theatre / The New Palace of Varieties

Above - The Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

The Palace Theatre, on London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, which is a suburb of, and a short distance from, Southend-on-Sea, was built by Ward & Ward for the Raymond Picture Company and opened in 1912 with a capacity of 1,500 and an orchestra pit capable of housing some 20 musicians.

On the original plans for the Theatre it was to have been named Raymond's New Picture Palace but this never came to fruition and instead it was named the New Palace Theatre when it opened.

Right - Two early Programmes for the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend. The first is for 'The Easiest Way' and the second is for 'Driven' and 'The Burglar.'

The Theatre currently has a capacity of 600 which is quite small considering the plot of land it takes up and its imposing red brick facade.

The auditorium was built on three levels, stalls and two circles with a pair of boxes on either side of the proscenium at the first balcony level, and still includes its original gallery with benched seating, and its original brass light fittings.

Above - The Palace Theatre, and Dixon Studio, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

In the 1960s major work was carried out to the FOH areas of the Theatre and in 1972 the building was owned and managed by the Palace Theatre Trust.

Right - The auditorium of the Westcliff Palace Theatre, Southend, from an early programme for Driven' and 'The Burglar' at the Theatre.

In 1982 an apron stage was installed which allows for larger productions than the original shallow fly tower would allow. And beside the main Theatre an extension was added to house a small studio space called the Dixon Studio Theatre with a capacity of 100.

The Southend Palace Theatre is now a Grade II Listed building and currently has a stage depth of 16 to 18 foot 6 inches including the apron, a proscenium opening of 26 foot wide, a grid height of 51 foot, and an orchestra pit for 12 musicians.

Above - The Auditorium of the Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend in 1990 - Courtesy Ted Bottle

Above - The Palace Theatre, and Dixon Studio, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

You may like to visit the Palace Theatre's own website here.

Cliffs Pavilion Theatre, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend, Essex

Above - The Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-Sea, Southend in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

The Cliffs Pavilion in Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, which is a suburb of, and a short distance from, Southend, was opened in 1964. The building had been planned since the 1930s and some work on the building had already begun when the outbreak of war in 1939 halted construction. The building then remained boarded up until 1959 when it was demolished so that a new building could be erected on the site, albeit closer to the cliff edge.

The new Cliffs Pavilion opened in 1964 and then had a major upgrade in 1991 when it was enlarged and new foyer spaces and exits were constructed, and a balcony was added to the auditorium. The Theatre currently has a capacity of over 1,600 and is home to theatre and concerts by all the major artistes.

You may like to visit the Theatre's own website here.

New Empire Theatre, 22 Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea

Formerly the Public Hall / The Alexandra Theatre / Rivoli Picture House / ABC Cinema

Above - Alexandra Street, Southend showing the Empire Theatre with its original frontage in a 1908 postcard

The New Empire Theatre was originally a conversion from a former Public Hall on Alexandra Street which was built in 1870 or 1871 by the Public Hall Company and opened in 1872 with a concert including such artistes as Miss Catherine Poyntz, Madame Osborne Williams, Mr George Perrin, and Mr Maybrick. However, the Public Hall had become known as the Alexandra Theatre by 1891.

The New Empire Theatre itself, with a capacity of 1,300 on two levels, stalls and gallery, was designed by Mr. W. Hancock with a facade in the Renaissance style, in red brick and stone, and opened with a production of 'Robinson Crusoe' on Monday the 14th of May 1894. By the end of the week the ERA had printed a review of the new building in their 19th of May edition saying:

In 1870 or 1871 it was felt a new hall was required, and the Public Hall Company was formed, with the result of the erection of the old Public hall. It was opened in 1872, and by the kindness of a dear old friend of Southend, Mrs Tyler, I have in my hand a programme of the first entertainment in the old building. A very excellent concert was given, as you will imagine when I tell you the artists were Miss Catherine Poyntz, Madame Osborne Williams, Mr George Perrin, and Mr Maybrick. For a long time the Public Hall, as it then stood, answered the requirements of the town, arid existed till last year as the Public Hall. It was materially altered and enlarged when I first came upon the scene, and we wanted further alterations, but the Public Hall Company could not see their way to do it. Mr Marlow stepped into the gap, and we know what be did for us—he brought the place as much up to date as it could be. That building came to an untimely finish not quite twelve months ago, and to-day we commence what we hope will be an era of new prosperity, new life, and new vigour for the principal place of amusement in Southend. This land was originally bought for something like ,100 or £500.

Above - The New Empire Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

'During the past few years Southend has grown so rapidly that the need of a really good theatre has been sadly felt. Mr Fred Marlow, of the Eastern Empire, Bow, recently purchased the old Public Hall and has completely transformed it, and the Empire may be accounted a valuable addition to the existing places of amusement at Southend-on-Sea. The theatre was formally opened last Monday, a large audience being present. The stage was prettily embellished with plants and flowers. Mr Chas. H. Bowmaker, the responsible manager, on behalf of Mr Marlow, made a few commendably brief remarks, and the theatre was declared open.

The stage has been considerably enlarged, new and picturesque scenery has been painted, the drop scene being a charming view of Kelso from the Tweed by Mr Thos. Evans, London. Modern lighting appliances of the most approved patterns are fitted in the house. The stalls are supplied with tip-up seat upholstered in light blue plush. These and the unreserved seats, which are similar to the stalls and on the same floor, are now approached from the street by a separate entrance, and a commodious gallery has been erected, to which, access is gained by a flight of stone steps leading from the main entrance.

On the outer sides are two flights of stone steps in connection with the emergency exits, in addition to the exits on the ground floor, so that the entire house - the seating capacity of which is about 1,300 - may be cleared in about two and a-half minutes. The old wooden beams have been removed from the interior, and the ceiling has been artistically painted. The other decorations are harmonious, the whole auditorium looking exceedingly pretty and attractive. The ventilation has not been overlooked, fire hydrants have been placed on the stage and in the body of the building, and a water curtain has been hung. There are also refreshment bars, cloak rooms, and offices.

The alterations are from designs by Mr W. Hancock, and the work has been carried out in a most substantial and expeditious manner under the direction of Mr W. H. Heffer, of Bow, who has acted as foreman of works. The piece selected for the opening night was Robinson Crusoe, which was played by Mr Terence Ramsdale's company. The artists sustained the parts allotted to them in a praiseworthy manner. The burlesque has been repeated during the week.'

Above text in quotes is from the ERA, 14th of May 1894 - Courtesy BF.

Sadly the New Empire was hit by tragedy only a year later when the Theatre caught fire on the morning of the 6th of January 1895 and was completely destroyed, except for the outer walls. A pantomime had been performed the previous evening and all of the cast, who were to have continued at the Theatre for several more weeks, were to find themselves unemployed as a result. The ERA covered the story in their 12th of January edition saying:

'In the early hours of Sunday morning last the Empire Theatre, Southend, was destroyed by fire. The property - which used to be known as the Public Hall or Alexandra Theatre - belonged formerly to a limited company; but less than a year ago it was sold to Mr Fred Marlow, late of the Eastern Empire, Bow. The building had been greatly improved since it came into the possession of Mr Marlow. It was reseated and refitted, and an extensive gallery was erected; the expense incurred in making these alterations being very heavy. By direction of the magistrates, additional exits and other precautions against fire had also been provided.

Right - The rear elevation of the New Empire Theatre, Southend in August 2009.

On Boxing-day Mr Marlow produced at the theatre the pantomime Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. An afternoon performance was given on Saturday, to which all the old people who attended the free dinner on New Year's Day were kindly invited by the proprietor. About 160 of them attended, but owing to the severe weather many others were kept away. Rather than they should be disappointed, Mr Marlow announced his intention of giving another afternoon performance on the following Saturday, at which the remainder of the aged guests were invited to attend. The latter announcement was made from the stage last Saturday afternoon by Mr C. H. Bowmaker, the manager, and it was received with much enthusiasm by the old people present, who gave three hearty cheers for Mr Marlow, with one more for Mrs Marlow, the latter of whom had played the part of Aladdin with great success. The evening performance passed off as usual, and shortly after eleven o'clock the lights were turned out. The customary inspection of the premises was likewise made, and everything appeared all right. The company was to have remained at Southend for a week or two longer, and was then to have gone on tour.

At about ten minutes past two on Sunday morning the police on duty in the street noticed a smell of smoke. They soon found that the theatre was on fire, and they hastened to arouse other members of the force. In about eight minutes some of the members of the Brigade were on the scene with their appliances, the theatre being within a stone's-throw of the fire brigade station. Water was thrown upon the flames to the amount of 420 gallons a minute. There was, however, no hope of saving the theatre. Flames appeared through the roof, and shortly afterwards shot up to a great height, and rapidly spread to the other end of the building. The heat became intense, and the lead flushing and guttering on the roof melted and ran down the walls to the ground. The caretaker was sleeping at the theatre, in a room on the ground floor, when he was awakened by the police.

The adjoining houses were in danger, and the occupants were advised to leave them. Other residents in the locality of the fire were also awakened, and same of them commenced removing their belongings into the street. At one time it was feared that the gable end of the theatre would fall into the street, and perhaps strike the police-station. For nearly two hours water was poured upon the flames, and shortly before three the roof of the theatre fell in with a loud crash. The building and its contents were completely destroyed, and the only parts of the structure that remain standing are the four outer walls and the main entrance. The building was insured for £3.000, and the scenery, furniture, and effects for £1,000, in the London and Lancashire Fire Office. There was about £100 worth of uninsured property in the theatre, consisting chiefly of the performers' costumes. The theatre was, we understand, purchased by Mr Marlow for £3,100; and he spent several hundreds of pounds upon the alterations. Mr Marlow (the proprietor of the theatre), Mr C. H. Bowmaker (the manager), and the members of the pantomime company were present at the fire. They were all much upset at the unfortunate occurrence; and some of the artistes were even moved to tears. About forty of them have been thrown out of employment.

The cause of the fire is at present unknown. Some of the men in the gallery on Saturday evening insisted upon smoking, although remonstrated with several times, and it is thought that the conflagration may have arisen from this. Mr Marlow, upon being interviewed on Sunday, said ;— "The building and nearly all in it were mine. Very nearly all the costumes were mine, and the scenery was new as well, a good deal of which I had bought. The pantomime was to have been here for six weeks, and I had just concluded arrangements with several managers to go on tour afterwards. We had been making arrangements for its production since September, and it was, of course, an expensive engagement. There were forty performers altogether, and the thing was a great success. I was just congratulating myself that I had won my way to the hearts of the Southend people, and only on Saturday night, a couple or three hours before the fire, I had arranged with the Mayor to give at his expense a performance next Saturday to all the school children of Southend." Questioned as to his estimate of the loss sustained, he could give no near figure off-hand, but pointed out that of the £4,000 insurance he would probably not receive the whole.

The following circular has been issued in connection with the above disastrous fire :— "To our brother and sister artistes. - We, the undersigned, through the above are compelled to ask your kindness to help us in our misfortune. Besides being thrown out of our engagement, we have lost the whole of our properties, dresses, &c. Yours respectfully, Miss Emily Marlow, Miss Minnie Palmerston, Miss Lilian Morgan, Miss Sara Russell, Miss Alice Ashburn, Miss Nelly De Vero, Miss Lillie De Vere, Miss Mabel De Vere; Mr Walter Kooney, Mr Charles Clark, Mr Harry Karr, Mr Edwin Adeler, Mr Tom Nelson, Mr Sam Hayhoe, Mr Tom Evans (scenic artist), Mr Harry King-Bolton (author and stage-manager).'

Above text in quotes is from the ERA, 12th of January 1895 - Courtesy BF.

Above - The rear elevation of the New Empire Theatre, Southend in August 2009 - Note the '96' picked out in the brick work which denotes the Theatres rebuild in 1896 - Photo M.L.

Despite the disastrous fire however, it wasn't long before a new Theatre would rise from the ashes. On Monday the 30th of December a memorial stone for the new building was laid by Major Rasch, M.P and the ERA reported the occasion in their 4th of January 1896 edition saying:

'The memorial stone of the Empire Theatre, Southend, was laid on Monday, by Major Rasch, M.P. The stone, placed at the right of the main entrance, is inscribed as follows :— Empire Theatre. Proprietor, Fred Marlow. Erected, 1870. Rebuilt, 1895-6. This Foundation Stone was laid by Major Frederic Carne Rasch, M.P., D.L., J.P., Dec. 30th, 1895. Alfred Prevost, Esq., Mayor of Southend-on-Sea. Walter J. Wood, architect; W. Heifer, builder; W. Hancock (London), consulting architect.

The building will, when finished, accommodate almost 2,000 persons, and be provided with a full-sized stage. On Monday the surroundings were made as bright as possible. The scaffold poles in front were covered with red material, and numerous flags were arranged all round, and over an archway there was an addition to the array of colour in four triangular flags, bearing the letters "At the invitation of Mr Fred Marlow, a number of gentlemen had luncheon prior to the ceremony at the Alexandra Hotel. Major Rasch, M.P., presided, supported by Mr Marlow. At the close, the CHAIRMAN briefly proposed "The Health of the Queen," which was loyally drunk; and then submitted "Prosperity to the new Southend Theatre." It was not necessary, he said, for him to add how heartily he re-echoed that aspiration, and how extremely glad be was to be there that day. As they knew, a comfortable, well-organised, modern theatre was absolutely essential to the prosperity of any town. He was perfectly certain that the new theatre at Southend would add to the amenities of a rising watering place, and bring many people who would otherwise stay away. Therefore he had the pleasure to propose "Prosperity to the new Theatre," coupled with the name of Mr Marlow.

Mr FRED MARLOW, in responding, said he was very pleased to see so many new and old friends rally round him. They all knew the ups and downs of his life, and the trouble he had had! But they could leave it to him to put up what they all wanted - the brightest and best theatre outside London. The people of Southend had got to be pleased, and to know that they had got such a man as Marlow to come there, and with the help of Mr Wood and Mr Hancock, they would have as nice a theatre as any seaside town in England.

When the company met on the site of the building operations, Mr CHARLES H. BOWMAKER said :— I feel it a great honour to have been called upon by Mr Fred Marlow to take an active part in these proceedings, as one who was interested in the old place for a great number of years, and it was extremely, kind of him to ask me to do a little towards the laying of the foundation-stone of the new building. It may be as well, inasmuch as a great number of you are as recent comers to Southend as myself, if I give you some idea of the old place and its use from its origin to when it was destroyed. In 1870 or 1871 it was felt a new hall was required, and the Public Hall Company was formed, with the result of the erection of the old Public hall. It was opened in 1872, and by the kindness of a dear old friend of Southend, Mrs Tyler, I have in my hand a programme of the first entertainment in the old building. A very excellent concert was given, as you will imagine when I tell you the artists were Miss Catherine Poyntz, Madame Osborne Williams, Mr George Perrin, and Mr Maybrick. For a long time the Public Hall, as it then stood, answered the requirements of the town, and existed till last year as the Public Hall. It was materially altered and enlarged when I first came upon the scene, and we wanted further alterations, but the Public Hall Company could not see their way to do it. Mr Marlow stepped into the gap, and we know what be did for us - he brought the place as much up to date as it could be. That building came to an untimely finish not quite twelve months ago, and to-day we commence what we hope will be an era of new prosperity, new life, and new vigour for the principal place of amusement in Southend. This land was originally bought for something like £400 or £500. If Mr Marlow wanted to put it into the market to-day he could add another "0" to the figure.

Mr Marlow - It is not for sale.

Mr WOOD, the architect, then gave particulars of the proposed building. The materials used will be fire-proof as far as possible, and every convenience will be introduced, with careful attention to sanitary, lighting, and other matters. The front of the building will be of the Renaissance style, in red brick and stone.

Major RASCH, when the stone had been adjusted, tapped it thrice with a hammer and said— "I declare that the foundation-stone of the New Southend Theatre is this day well and truly laid. I have to thank you for having done me the great honour of asking me to come here to lay it."

Alderman HOWARD moved a vote of thanks to Major Rasch, which Dr. LANG seconded, and the motion was carried with cheers.

Major RASCH said he was not wholly unconnected with the profession, for he had the misfortune to own a theatre in the wilds of Kensington, and he only hoped Mr Marlow's theatre would pay better than his did. He had been a theatre-goer and an admirer of the profession since he was a boy, and he was present when Mdlle. Dejazet played at the Gaiety in 1860.

Mr J. J. WAGSTAFF then smashed a bottle of wine on the stone, and said: I have great pleasure in breaking a bottle of wine and christening this "The New Empire Theatre."

Mr MARLOW thanked the company; and the proceedings terminated.'

Above text in quotes is from the ERA, 4th of January 1896 - Courtesy BF.

Above - The New Empire Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

Having laid the memorial stone on the 30th of December 1895 building of the New Empire Theatre continued apace and the building was finished and declared open 6 months later on Monday the 25th of May 1896. The ERA reported the opening in their 30th of May edition saying:

'On Monday this theatre, which has been rebuilt by the owner, Mr Fred Marlow, was declared open to the public by the Mayor, M. Prevost, and Major Rasch, M.P., acting jointly, in the presence of a brilliant assembly, the initial ceremony being concluded by the singing of the National Anthem by the entire company (Neilson's), who subsequently appeared in the popular opera Maritana, the first piece staged in the new house.

After the old theatre was burned Mr Marlow's local architect, Mr Walter J. Wood, secured the approval of the magistrates to plans for the rebuilding, but on the advice of Mr W. Hancock, of London, who was called in as consulting architect, it was decided to enlarge the theatre by removing the dressing-rooms and passages, &c., from the rear, and erecting them on the promptside, throwing the space into the stage and auditorium, and allowing for increased seating, better exits, and lavatory accommodation. The front elevation is of red brick and stone, handsomely carved, and the main entrance has a grand staircase ascending to the right and left to the dress circle, which is one of the finest in the provinces, having eleven rows of seats, accommodating 400 persons. Descending by a broad flight between the circle staircases, there are two subways under the pit leading direct to the stalls, where seating is found for 200. The pit, which is comfortably upholstered, will seat 600, and the gallery, with seating accommodation for 600, has the floor covered with linoleum. The stage, which is 40ft. deep, and has a proscenium opening 28ft. wide, is fitted throughout with every modern appliance, and has an iron and asbestos fire curtain supplied by Messrs Vaughan and Brown, of London.

Right - The Empire Theatre, Southend with its original frontage, from a 1908 postcard.

The interior decoration, which is light and tasteful to a degree, is in the period of Louis the Fourteenth, and has been executed by Messrs F. Dejong and Co., from the designs of Mr W. Hancock. The theatre is exceptionally well ventilated, and the upholstery, including the handsome plush drop curtain, has been executed by Messrs Deane and Co., of Birmingham, the prevailing colour being a rich brocaded terra cotta, which heightens the artistic appearance of the house.

With reference to the important question of sight lines, they have been studied with such effect that a perfect view of the stage can be obtained from every seat in the house. There are handsomely and comfortably equipped bars and foyers on each level, and the magistrates have for the first time in Southend granted the licence by suspending one of their standing orders.

The building is entirely isolated, and reaches from Alexandra-street to Clarence-road, with private ways on either side, and is 160ft. deep from front to back, and when it is remembered that the excavating was only commenced on Nov. 21st last, congratulations must be offered to Mr Marlow and his henchmen Messrs Heifer and Gillett, who, acting under the direction and personal superintendence of Mr W. Hancock, have completed the building so speedily. Mention should be made of the magnificent scenery painted by Messrs Tom Evans and J. Douglas, of London, and to the sanitary work and fire appliances of Mr W. Christmas, of Southend.'

Above text in quotes is from the ERA, 30th of May 1896 - Courtesy BF.

In his 'Memories of Show Business' Percy G Court wrote about working at the Southend Empire in the late 1890s saying: 'After a wait of three weeks I received a letter to open at the Empire Southend-on-Sea in the drama "A Life of Pleasure". I was engaged as second carpenter at thirty five shillings a week. The first scene was a blacksmith's forge, the stage lighting was by gas. During the first scene on the Monday evening a current of air blew a canvas border into the gas-batten, immediately flames were bursting everywhere, but the flymen got out fire hoses and controlled it within five minutes and after a pause - the show went on. Memories of Show Business by Percy G Court 1953.

The New Empire Theatre described above is the building which still stands on Alexandra Street, Southend to this day, although it is hard to recognise the building by its description above. The facade which was originally built in the Renaissance style, in red brick and stone and the lavish interior in the Louis the Fourteenth style are all gone. In their place are a bland facade and a modern interior but even so the remaining outer walls and some parts of the interior are as they were in 1896 when the Theatre was built.

In 1920 the Theatre was converted for Cinema use and renamed the Rivoli Picture House. The reconstructed auditorium was on two levels with boxes and seating for 1,500, but the stage remained as did the orchestra pit and understage areas, although these were hidden from view.

In 1935 the cinema was bought by the Union Circuit Group and then shortly afterwards they were taken over by Associated British Cinemas (ABC).

The Cinema closed in November 1961 so that further modernisation work could take place. Costing £100,000 the building was twinned, creating two Cinemas, one on each level, with a total capacity of 1,226. The stage would not be used again and the building had truly become a Cinema. The new Screens opened on Thursday the 7th of June 1962 and the Cinema was renamed ABC, later to be taken over by Cannon Cinemas.

Above - The Empire Theatre, Southend whilst under the control of Cannon Cinemas in a postcard from 1988

The Cinema closed in 1998 and then the building remained empty and unused for a while but by the end of the year two local amateur theatre groups moved into the building using both spaces as theatre spaces with the occasional film showing. The building was renamed back to its original New Empire Theatre name and opened on the 10th of October 1998 with a production of 'Little Shop of Horrors' in the main space.

The New Empire Theatre ran in this form for ten years with a dedicated team who had a great love for the building but were always on a tight budget. Sadly on the 7th of November 2008 the owner of the building called in the bailiffs and had the Theatre shut down due to non payment of rent.

The building is still vacant in August 2010 and its future remains a mystery.

You may like to visit the old website of the New Empire Theatre, although the Theatre is now closed, the website is still there and has a great many articles and images of the Theatre over the years.

Above - The Rear Elevation of the New Empire Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

The Kursaal, South Church Avenue and Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea

Formerly The Kursaal Palace - Later Luna Park

Above - The Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo M.L.

The Kursaal on South Church Avenue and Marine Parade, Southend originally opened as the Kursaal Palace in 1901 and was designed by the architects George Sherrin and John Clarke as a Music Hall with an auditorium on two levels and a Ballroom in the centre of the complex. The entire building original had a capacity of 2,000 to 8,000 standing, and apart from the auditorium and Ballroom there were also dressing rooms for artistes and a band room for musicians included in the design. The stage of the Music Hall was built on two aspects, one being an apron stage and the other a thrust stage, and had a depth of 49 foot and a width of 87 foot with a proscenium opening of 31 foot.

The building had actually originally been planned several years earlier than this in 1898 by Pyramidal Syndicate Limited to be a Circus, Theatre, and Arcade but this Company collapsed and the site was acquired by Margate & Southend Kursaals Ltd who built the present building instead.

In 1913 Clifton Jay Morehouse redesigned the building's interior as an amusement park with his inspiration apparently taken from New York's Coney Island. The building was later renamed Luna Park.

In the mid 1970s the Kursaal Palace was closed down and although the Morehouse family still owned the building it remained closed until 1985 when it was sold to a new Company owned by a Mr. Peter Ketteley who planned to restore the building. The stage was removed but before any more work could be done the Company found themselves unable to continue and the building was then sold to Brent Walker in 1988, although it remained empty and in a dilapidated state for years, until the local council eventually stepped in during the 1990s before the building became too unsafe to remain in situ.

The building, now owned by the local authority, was then gutted internally and converted into a leisure complex and bowling alley. The Kursaal is a Grade II Listed building although this doesn't seem to have helped much as although the exterior of the building is still much in its original form the interior is now completely new.

You may like to visit the Southend Kursaal's Function Sweet website here.

Above - The Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo ML

Astoria Theatre, 127 High Street, Southend-on-Sea

Later - The Odeon Cinema

Above - The Site of the Astoria Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo ML

The Astoria Theatre on the High Street, Southend opened on the 15th of July 1935. The building was designed as a cine-variety Theatre with a fully equipped stage, a cafe for its patrons, and a large and lavish auditorium capable of seating some 2,750 people. The Theatre was also equipped with a Compton illuminated Theatre Organ.

In 1954 Cinamascope was installed in the Theatre.

The Theatre closed in 1970 for another major refurbishment by the then owners, Odeon Cinemas, but this time it was to convert the former cafe into one Cinema with a capacity of 500, and the former balcony into another, with its floor extended to the original proscenium opening of the stage, and a capacity of 1,350. The original stalls were then converted into a supermarket. The old Compton Organ Console was sold to a private collector.

Both screens closed in 1998 when the new Odeon 8 screen Complex in Victoria Square opened for business.

The former Astoria Theatre was demolished in 2004 and a new University, the University of Essex, was built on the site.

The Odeon was demolished in 2004 and a university has been built on the site.

Left - The Site of the former Astoria Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo ML

Hippodrome Theatre, 4 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea

Later - The Gaumont Cinema

Above - The Site of the Hippodrome Theatre, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo ML

The Southend Hippodrome on Southchurch Road was built by the well known Theatre architect Bertie Crew and opened on the 8th of November 1909. The Theatre was built for the DeFreece circuit of Theatres and was designed for stage plays and variety productions. The auditorium was built on four levels, stalls, dress circle, and gallery, with four boxes either side of the proscenium and had a capacity on the Theatre's opening of 1,750.

In 1928 the Theatre was bought by Gaumont Theatres who ran it with a cine-variety policy until 1933 when the building was converted into a Cinema only, with a new projection box at the rear of the gallery. The two top most boxes were removed from the auditorium at this time and replaced by grills, and the new Cinema opened on the 15th of January 1934 as the Gaumont Palace with a capacity of 1,588. In 1937 the Theatre was renamed to the simpler 'Gaumont'.

In February of 1954, now under the control of the Rank Organisation, a major fire destroyed the former stage of the building but remarkably the Cinema was back open again the following day. Mind you the stage by that time was superfluous to requirements.

The Cinema closed in 1956 when Rank modernised the Ritz Cinema in Southend which they also owned.

The Theatre was demolished in 1958 and a supermarket was built on the site. In August 2009 the building looks quite an eyesore and its hard to believe that a magnificent Bertie Crewe Theatre once stood in the same place as this ugly building.

If you have any more information about this Theatre, or images you are willing to share, please Contact me.

Odeon Cinema Complex, Victoria Cross, Southend-on-Sea

Above - The Odeon Cinema Complex, Southend-on-Sea in August 2009 - Photo ML

The Odeon Cinema Complex in Victoria Cross, Southend, is situated at the end of the High Street which is now paved over and a pedestrian street only. The complex which has 8 screens with a total capacity of 1,909, including 374 in the largest auditorium and 145 in the smallest, opened on the 22nd of November 1997.

You may like to visit the Southend Odeon's own website here.

The Theatre Royal, The Common, Southend-on-Sea

The Theatre Royal was originally built in 1790 as a Barn Theatre on the Common at Southend. The Theatre was rebuilt in 1804 and ran as a legitimate Theatre until the 1840s. The Theatre was converted in 1842 and demolished in 1849.

If you have any more information about this Theatre, or images you are willing to share, please Contact me.

Garon's Imperial, Southend-on-Sea

The Garon's Imperial was built by the well known Theatre architect Bertie Crew who also designed the Southend Hippodrome which opened two years earlier. The Garon's Imperial Theatre opened in 1911.

The Theatre was enlarged in 1920.

The Theatre was demolished in 1963.

If you have any more information about this Theatre, or images you are willing to share, please Contact me.

The Talza, Southend-on-Sea

The Talza was opened in the mid 1920s and was demolished in the 1970s.

If you have any more information about this Theatre, or images you are willing to share, please Contact me.

The Sundeck Theatre, The Pier, Southend-on-Sea

The Sundeck Theatre on the Southend Pier, the longest pier in the world, was built in the 1950s but has long since been demolished.

There is a page about the Southend Pier on Wikipedia here.

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Pier Pavilion, The Pier, Southend-on-Sea

The Pier Pavilion was built on the shore end of the Southend Pier, the longest pier in the world. Sadly the Pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1959 which trapped around 500 people at the end of the pier who then had to be rescued by boat. The Pavilion was replaced by a bowling alley in 1962 which was itself destroyed by fire in 1995. The site is now just decking.

There is a page about the Southend Pier on Wikipedia here.

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Prince's Hall, Southend-on-Sea

The Prince's Hall was built in 1896.

The Hall was demolished in 1931.

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Victoria Hall, Alexandra Street, Southend-on-Sea

The Victoria Hall in Southend was built in 1904 and was used as a variety Theatre for some time before it began to be used as an early bioscope Cinema in 1908, although seasonal Theatre did still run in the building. The small stage was just 17 foot deep by 16 foot wide with a proscenium opening of 15 foot.

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The Picturedrome Regal, Southend-on-Sea

Later - Arcadia

The Picturedrome was built in 1920 and was demolished in 1963

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The Ambassadors, Southend-on-Sea

The Ambassadors Theatre was built in 1920 and was running until 1929. The Theatre then closed and didn't reopen again until 1937 when it ran until 1954.

The Theatre was demolished in 1963.

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