Camden Theatre

Symmetrical stone façade in free classical manner. Large copper dome, now lacking its open lantern. Still an imposing corner building, viewed across a busy road junction.

Radical internal alterations were carried out when the theatre was converted to disco use. Despite this, and the usual proliferation of lights, it remains a beautiful auditorium with two partly cantilevered balconies (gallery now closed and levelled through to front of building to form new public room). Modelled plasterwork by Waring & Gillow. Marble proscenium arch with segmental pediment and, on either side, marble columns rising from caryatids, defining four bays, containing boxes at three levels. Shallow domed ceiling. The alterations included the laying of a dance floor covering a large part of the stalls area and penetrating the deeply cutaway stage, unfortunately all in determinedly permanent construction. Balconies have been formed over the stage. The floor level at the front of the dress circle has been raised, necessitating a guard rail above the original circle front.

Small, elaborate foyer (bronze plaque of Ellen Terry), above which was originally a ‘promenade and winter garden’. Proscenium 9.75m (32ft) wide.

Despite the extensive conversion works, the theatre would be perfectly capable of restoration to theatrical use. Sadly, the expense of such a re-conversion has been unnecessarily increased by the nature of the 1981 alterations.