Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is a Grade II listed building in Redditch, Worcestershire. It opened in 1913 as a theatre with a capacity of 660, designed by Bertie Crewe in a Neo-classical style. The interior featured a circular balcony above the stalls. After closing in 1939 during the Second World War, it reopened and later served as a cinema, rollerskating rink, dance hall and bingo venue. The theatre was acquired by Redditch Urban District Council in 1967 and later modified before reopening exclusively as a theatre in 1971. The building has strong ties to local history and community life. It was Grade II listed in 1996 and restored to its original state in 2005. The restoration preserved the original seats, which were reupholstered, and converted a former factory into dressing rooms. Since 1985, the theatre has been managed by Redditch Borough Council. It has been home to the Redditch Operatic Society since 1971 and hosts touring comedy, drama and plays. Visitors find a theatre with a Neo-classical interior and a circular balcony overlooking the stalls. The foyer, added in 1971, leads to the auditorium where the original seating remains. Dressing rooms are housed in the converted factory behind the building. The annual pantomime draws local audiences, and touring productions bring varied performances to the town. The theatre stands as a well-preserved example of early 20th-century design in the West Midlands.