I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to get a look inside the theatre on the high street in Wallsend today. Typical of the 100s of local theatres/picture houses the coming of television relegated it to the role of bingo by the 70s, and closure after that.
The lower floor and foyer we're used as an amusement arcade up until 2005, leaving dozens of slot machines strew about the inside.
Its in almost mint condition as its normally locked up tight, and could be restored quite easily. The only thing spoiling it at the moment is a ridiculous false ceiling suspended at the level of the dress circle, it cuts off the view to the victorian plaster work and looks rubbish as you'll see.
This from the upper circle (cheap seats)
I think this is a gas light burner
The stage below is a dumping ground of rubbish, but in excellent condition under the crap
A view from a private box
On the stage looking into the stalls seating long gone
Bar
This is 30 feet above the stage in the rigging for lowering backdrops curtains etc, the dress circle can just been seen
Flock wallpaper everywhere
Projection room, sadly projectors long gone
Holes blocked where the images would have emerged
The outside:
The lower floor and foyer we're used as an amusement arcade up until 2005, leaving dozens of slot machines strew about the inside.
Its in almost mint condition as its normally locked up tight, and could be restored quite easily. The only thing spoiling it at the moment is a ridiculous false ceiling suspended at the level of the dress circle, it cuts off the view to the victorian plaster work and looks rubbish as you'll see.
This from the upper circle (cheap seats)
I think this is a gas light burner
The stage below is a dumping ground of rubbish, but in excellent condition under the crap
A view from a private box
On the stage looking into the stalls seating long gone
Bar
This is 30 feet above the stage in the rigging for lowering backdrops curtains etc, the dress circle can just been seen
Flock wallpaper everywhere
Projection room, sadly projectors long gone
Holes blocked where the images would have emerged
The outside: