Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre stands in the centre of Stoke-on-Trent, a white-glazed terracotta building in Art Deco style with mask reliefs of comedy and tragedy at each corner. It was first opened in 1929 as a cinema by Provincial Cinematograph Theatres and designed by William E. Trent. The stage hosted live variety shows between films and housed a Wurlitzer organ. After becoming the Gaumont in 1950 it presented concerts by Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard and The Beatles. The cinema closed in 1989 when a new Odeon multiplex opened nearby. The building fell into disrepair by the late 1990s, its dome damaged by water. A trust led by Richard Talbot campaigned for its rescue, and the council rebuilt the auditorium and stage. A £23 million scheme restored the proscenium arch and added disabled access. Queen Elizabeth II officially reopened the theatre in October 1999 after a preopening concert by the Porthill Players. Visitors find a restored auditorium with a new orchestra pit and modern front-of-house areas. The theatre now hosts national touring shows such as Cats and 42nd Street, plus an annual pantomime often starring Jonathan Wilkes. Glyndebourne Touring Opera uses the theatre as its northern base. The auditorium’s Art Deco details and the original terracotta façade remain the building’s most striking features.