Regal Community Theatre

The Regal is the only theatre in Bathgate. It was originally constructed as cine-variety venue of the late 1930s by the architect A D Haxton.

It is a three storey brick construction with a symmetrical painted cement stucco façade comprised of five bays, grouped 1-3-1, with an angular moderne appearance. Curved steps lead to a set of double entrance doors in each of the three central bays at ground floor with a proscenium frame of three bays containing windows at first floor and squat windows at second floor, separated by moderne pilasters. The side bays comprise two-storey pavilion blocks with windows at first floor, which project forward from the central bays. Windows are set behind each pavilion block at second floor.

The lower entrance foyer has its original terrazzo flooring, finely detailed panels and a compartmental ceiling with decorative plasterwork at cornice level. It also retains its timber doors, a chequered inlay to the stair tread and veneered walnut dado panelling. The Upper Foyer retains three large stained glass windows, glazed 2-leaf timber doors, veneered walnut panelled walls to picture rail height and a compartmental ceiling..

The auditorium was split horizontally in the 1970s with film in the balcony and other uses in the stalls. In 2005 the horizontal subdivision was removed and the raked floor was levelled to provide the auditorium with retractable seating. The ceiling is coffered with sunken panels embossed with decorative strapwork. There is a moulded plaster surround to the proscenium. There is also large 3-dimensional fibrous plaster art deco grilles flanking the stage (above the exits), each with a stylised frame enclosing Roman charioteers in relief – rare examples of the work of John Alexander.

As of 2017, on the ground floor there is a foyer, box office, cafe bar and the main auditorium. On the first floor there is an Upper Foyer/Art Gallery and dance/photography studio. On the top floor there is a meeting room. As part of renovation work in 2005, a lift was installed.