Theatre Royal

Built by Matcham, the original façade was a free version of the Classical style with three bays of giant pilasters with an elaborate gable at the centre. The auditorium had two balconies supported by iron columns and, single, canopied boxes either side of the proscenium. There was a large centre-piece in the ceiling to support the sunburner.

Severely damaged by fire in 1901, it was reconstructed by Matcham with a Baroque façade, a variation only of the 1889 façade. The interior, also in Baroque style was designed this time with cantilevered balconies and flamboyant plasterwork.

All that survives of Matcham’s building today are the outside walls and stage. Owned for some years by Pilkington Bros Ltd, and used by many local societies, the Pilkington Players in particular, in 1964 the theatre was gutted and rebuilt with a glass façade. The entrance incorporates a lofty foyer, auditorium with a single balcony. The auditorium walls are panelled in pine-colour wood, and the house is warmer than the plain glass exterior might lead one to expect - but a sad fate for a Matcham theatre.

The original stage area is large enough today to accommodate many touring shows, and the new management seeks to provide a range of live theatre product.