Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre stands on the corner of Union Street and Phoenix Street in Plymouth. Built in 1898 in the Flemish Renaissance style, its interior once featured Art Nouveau details and nautical themes. The theatre opened with a grand show featuring acts like the Royal Naval Band and acrobats the Levey Sisters. After a fire in December 1898 destroyed much of the stage and auditorium, it reopened in 1899 with simpler decorations. The site had once housed shops including a tobacconist and a butcher before the theatre was constructed. The theatre was designed by William Arber for United Counties Theatres Limited and the Livermore Brothers. It cost £95,000 to build and included the adjacent Grand Western Hotel. The opening night included performances by Leopoldine on the parallel bars and comedian Harry Comlin. The architect thanked the audience, saying the hall would make the three towns proud. The manager promised to bring in better class acts in future performances. Today the auditorium can still seat 2,500 spectators across stalls, pit seats, grand circle and gallery. The proscenium arch is flanked by ship-shaped boxes with lanterns above. The foyer leads to a marble staircase and a first-floor saloon decorated with nereids and cherubs. The saloon’s coffered ceiling and Ionic columns reflect Cinquecento style. Though now unused and at risk, the building remains a striking example of late 19th-century theatre design.