Pier Pavilion Theatre

Llandudno Pier Pavilion Theatre stood at the end of Llandudno Pier, a Victorian seaside resort in North Wales. The theatre opened in 1886 after delays caused by a storm and design changes. It measured 204 feet long with a canopy roof 60 feet across. The building featured a cast-iron veranda and two main entrances, one from the pier and another on Happy Valley Road. Inside, the Egyptian Hall displayed hieroglyphic decorations on its walls. The pavilion also once housed Britain’s largest indoor swimming pool, though it was filled in shortly after opening. The pavilion became famous for its orchestras and variety shows. Riviera’s Orchestra grew to symphony size and influenced British promenade concerts. Conductors like Henry Wood, Malcolm Sargent and Sir Adrian Boult led performances there. The theatre hosted political rallies featuring figures such as Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. It also welcomed stars like Cliff Richard, Petula Clark and Ivor Emmanuel during its golden age of variety entertainment. Visitors found a grand auditorium with ornate architecture and a balcony overlooking the stage. The basement later became the Llandudno Dungeon, a walk-through horror exhibition with waxworks scenes. After the theatre closed in 1984, the building fell into disrepair and was destroyed by fire in 1994. Despite its loss, the pavilion remains a landmark of Llandudno’s seaside history.