The Deco

The Deco stands in the centre of Northampton as a restored 1930s cinema and theatre. It was built for the ABC group by William Riddell Glen and opened in May 1936 as the Savoy. The building was designed in the International Modernistic style and still keeps its original features. A Blue Plaque marks the two 1963 performances by The Beatles. The venue was renamed the ABC in the 1950s and hosted touring bands such as the Rolling Stones and PJ Proby. The Deco is worth the journey because it is a Grade II listed building and part of the Northampton Heritage Trail. It was rescued from dereliction in 2000 and reopened in 2005 as a multi-purpose venue. The main auditorium seats 925 people and can hold 1,200 standing. Two smaller rooms, The Doré and The Glen, each seat 200. The Old Savoy, a nearby unsubsidised theatre, shares the site’s history. Visitors find three main spaces: the 925-seat auditorium, The Doré and The Glen. The main hall has an orchestra pit and circle seating. The two suites provide conference space and smaller performances. The building’s original design and later changes show its long life. The entrance plaque recalls The Beatles’ visits. The site now hosts corporate, social and theatrical events.