Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre stands in Westcliff-on-Sea, a suburb of Southend-on-Sea in Essex. Built by Ward & Ward of London, it opened in October 1912 as the Palace of Varieties. The building was later renamed The New Palace and included a small annexe for rear projection when cinema was added. Between the two world wars it hosted touring ballet and repertory companies with stars like Ivor Novello and Sybil Thorndike. During the Second World War the theatre continued performances and avoided serious bomb damage. In 1957 the Palace Theatre Club was formed to protect the theatre’s interests and raise funds. The theatre has survived financial crises and closures through public campaigns and community support. In 1969 a petition with over 2,000 signatures helped reopen it in 1970 under the Palace Theatre Trust. The Dixon Studio was added in 1980, funded partly by the Arts Council of England and Southend Council. The main auditorium was restored to Edwardian style in 1987, and the theatre celebrated its 75th and 80th birthdays with special productions. It holds a world record for staging all 25 of Agatha Christie’s plays in a single season in 2001. Visitors find a Grade II listed building with Edwardian grandeur in the main auditorium. The Dixon Studio seats up to 100 and presents smaller touring shows. The foyer contains a public bar and a small bistro, and the box office is now located there. The theatre still hosts local bands on Sunday nights with free entry to the foyer. The Palace Theatre Club continues to fundraise to keep the venue open for drama, music and repertory performances.