Skip to main content

Rugby Theatre

456

Opened in 1913 as ciné-variety. Became a cinema and subsequently reopened as a theatre in 1949. Slightly concave gabled and rendered façade. Now has a functional interior. Fragments of the Empire proscenium arch remain. Slightly raked auditorium with balcony. Well equipped to fulfil local needs.

Built / Converted
1913
Dates of use
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (Amateur theatre)
Address
Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 2QA, England
Further details
Other names
Empire Theatre , Empire Palace , Scala
Events
  • 1913 Design/Construction:
    Eames & Jackson
    - Architect
  • 1913 Owner/Management: Benny Morris,owner
  • 1923 Owner/Management: J Stephenson, manager
  • 1928 Owner/Management: (Northampton Syndicate) lessees
  • 1946 Owner/Management: Granada Theatres Ltd, lessees
  • 1949 Alteration: circle re-raked
    F J Press
    - Architect
  • 1949 Owner/Management: Rugby Theatre Society, sub-lessees
  • 1968 - 1974 Owner/Management: Mrs B Morris, owner
  • 1976 Owner/Management: Rugby Theatre Society, owners
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    663
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1923: 600
    1949: 385
    1969: 325
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    315
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
Pros flat. Rake 1:20
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 21ft 6in 1913: 9ft 6in Width SL: 16ft 6.5in SR: 16ft 6.5in
Proscenium width: 21ft 9 x 16ft high
Height to grid: 23ft 8in
Inside proscenium: 35ft
Orchestra pit: Added