Garrick Theatre

Built on the site of Frank Matcham's 1891 Opera House, the Garrick Theatre opened in December 1932, said to be local architect George Tonge's finest design. A massive building in brown brick with Portland stone dressings in Art Deco style, originally flood-lit to enhance its magnificence. The frontages to Lord Street and Kingsway were linked by a curved corner with the name GARRICK at attic level. The Lord Street entrance is divided by columns and was surmounted by a high canopy. A canopy at a lower level surrounded the remaining ground floor, below which there were shops as well as exits. There was an open colonnade on the Lord Street elevation at first floor which served as a promenade.

The now modified foyer had a domed ceiling and niches in Egyptian style. The auditorium has a rounded proscenium with a vast splayed anti-proscenium almost engulfing the four boxes on either side. Curved ceiling follows the contours, previously lit by trough lighting, splayed, panelled walls and, at stalls level, panels with recessed lighting. The ceiling has a decorated centre-piece which surrounded the chandelier. The original colours were yellows and golds with green and black, giving the effect of a golden glow.

The interior remains intact, save for modification for bingo, and alterations to foyer. The exterior is largely unchanged. The stage house is said to be intact.