Pavilion

The Pavilion Theatre was built at the landward end, designed with walkways either side on to the pier, so it could function independently.

The 1934 theatre was a steel-framed structure, reminiscent of a 1930s cinema. Externally the distinctive feature was the colour and texture obtained by the use patent cement paints with an ivory white decorative finish. The entrance foyer is entered from the Esplanade. Two wide staircases lead to the balcony foyer, former tea room balcony.

The original interior décor was intended to suggest sea and sunshine. The auditorium had simple direct lines, with horizontal bands and concealed lighting as the main features. It had a single raked balcony.

In 1989 the seaward side of the Pavilion was destroyed by fire: the stage and auditorium survived but suffered extensive smoke and heat damage. The theatre was completely refurbished and redecorated and rebuilt backstage, with improved and enlarged dressing room accommodation. It is now given over to amusement machines and has been recently granted permission for conversion to ‘mini-golf’.