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Alban Arena

2993

Opened as a multi-purpose venue in 1968 designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd. Large square brick and concrete auditorium with balcony on three sides, 1,000 seated capacity. Large stage but no fly tower. After a bomb damaged the building in 1991, it was extended at the front to provide a new box office, retail outlet (coffee shop) and increased foyer space. The auditorium was also re-equipped with retractable raked seating extending from mid stalls to the level of the balcony. The rear sides of the balcony have some excellent individual angled seats; the capacity was reduced to 856.

Built / Converted
1968
Dates of use
  • 1968 : Theatre
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (Civic Centre)
Address
Civic Centre, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3LD, England
Further details
Other names
City Hall
Events
  • 1968 Design/Construction:
    Sir F Gibberd
    - Architect
  • 1968 Use: Theatre
  • 1990 Alteration: renovated
    Unknown
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    2014: 856
    Comment
    flat stalls 251, raised stalls 220, balcony 385
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    1968: 1000
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Flat proscenium with thrust
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: width 17.3m, depth 9.4m
Proscenium width: 13.7m
Height to grid: 10.9m (NOT full height flying)
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -