Princes Hall

Princes Hall stands in Aldershot, a town in southern England. It is a 600-seat theatre managed by Rushmoor Borough Council. The building occupies the site of the old Warburg Barracks and was designed by Building Design Partnership. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the hall in May 1973 after its construction replaced two earlier theatres. The opening gala featured Kenny Ball and the Jazzmen in a concert. The hall also includes three function rooms available for hire. The Princes Hall has hosted a wide range of performers since it opened. Gene Pitney, Ivor Emmanuel, and Billy Fury have all appeared there. Comedians such as Jimmy Carr, Frank Skinner, and Sarah Millican have also performed on its stage. The venue won the Devereux Cup in 2008 for its contribution to the arts. It served as a vaccination centre during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Princes Hall website received an award for Best Recreation or Tourism Website in 2008. Visitors find a varied programme of music, ballet, comedy, and pantomime. Three function rooms are available for conferences, parties, and weddings. The Aldershot Visitor Information Centre is located within the building, offering local advice and guides. The annual pantomime has been a tradition since 1972, attracting large audiences. Ice shows featuring Russian skaters and acrobats were held from 2006 to 2008. The hall remains a central cultural venue in the town.