Assembly Hall Theatre

The Assembly Hall Theatre stands in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, part of the town’s Civic Centre on Crescent Road. The building is mainly brick, with silver and red detailing and Portland stone accents. Inside, the entrance hall has walls and floors of Roman Travertine Marble, topped by gold and fawn ceilings. A large lounge runs beside the main hall, originally meant for supper dances. The theatre’s exterior blends into the civic architecture of the area. Since 1967 it has been home to the Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society, whose first show was Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. Over the years it has hosted acts including Shane Filan of Westlife, Coolio, Let Loose and The Stranglers. During the Second World War the space was used for troop dances, film shows and charity events. By 2001 it was drawing audiences of more than 150,000 each year. Visitors find a spacious auditorium seating up to 993 people across stalls, tiered stalls and a circle. The stage once held a 22 ft by 29 ft cinema screen. Recent refurbishments added tiered charcoal seating, reupholstered balcony chairs and a redesigned bar in black, charcoal and gold. The foyer and front-of-house areas were repainted, and air conditioning installed throughout. The entrance hall’s marble walls and patterned ceilings remain a striking feature.