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Windsor

853

This has been an interesting building but its present state is disappointing. Built in 1930 as a ciné-variety, it has suffered a succession of alterations over the last three or four decades, mostly to its detriment. It operated mainly as a full-time cinema until 1946, when it became a variety theatre. In 1957 it was a repertory theatre but closed in 1960, to reopen three years later as a skating rink. It is now a snooker hall.

Built on the corner of Bearwood Road and Dunsford Road it is faced with brick and stone. There is a short tower on the corner, which contains the entrance. Stage with fly tower. Auditorium now has a flat floor and is divided horizontally by a false ceiling. Above this, the single balcony still exists, as does the oval-domed ceiling.

Re-establishment of live theatre, if the demand arose would no doubt be possible, especially if the stage could be extended over land at the rear.

Built / Converted
1930
Dates of use
  • 1930 - 1960
Current state
Extant
Current use
Converted to other use (Snooker hall)
Address
Bearwood Road/Dunsford Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • Alteration: later converted to snooker hall
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1930 Design/Construction:
    Horace Bradley
    - Architect
  • 1930 - 1960 Use:
  • 1930 - 1960 Owner/Management: Hewitson, owner; Osborne, owner
  • 1963 Alteration: converted to skating rink
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1980 - 1993 Owner/Management: Sandwell Snooker Club, lessees
  • 1993 Owner/Management: Sandwell Snooker Club, owners
  • 1993 Owner/Management: Sandwell local authority, owner
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    1750
Listings
  • Listing
    Not listed
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 8m (26ft)
Proscenium width: 12m (39ft)
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -