Carlton Theatre

In 1966, the local council decided to enlarge the old Den Pavilion (The Den was once sandy waste ground where fishermen dried their nets, given to the town in 1869 by the Earl of Devon, laid to lawns, paths and gardens, becoming a fashionable parading ground). A pre-fabricated box-like body and roof was designed to cover the body of the old Pavilion, and spacious foyers and a bar built in front with, behind, a small stagehouse, loading bay, storage area, and dressing rooms.

The rounded shape of the old Pavilion formed the roof and auditorium walls of the Carlton Theatre. Originally seating 399 on one flat floor, this was later reduced to 285 maximum, stadium style: the floor was flat for the first few rows, steeply raked in the back rows, and entered separately from stairs leading from the foyer, whilst the other entrance was at the side of the auditorium, the whole, though, being on one level. The orchestra was accommodated by rails partitioning orchestral space from the auditorium. The stage was enlarged by an apron in front of the plain wooden proscenium. Prompt side was O.P. and the get-in and loading bay/scene store on that side were generous for a venue of its size. There were no flying facilities. The five brick built dressing rooms were spacious, with a sixth doubling as a green room.

The front foyer, past the box office, had a large ante-foyer, and exhibitions were held in both areas, as well as small functions. The welcoming rounded plush bar was called the Butler Bar after a manager of the theatre. It was leased from the council and run by the Teignmouth Players until it was demolished in 2014. The Players are currently (2016) performing at the Ice Factory Theatre. The site of the Carlton Theatre is being redeveloped, to include a community arts centre.