Grand Theatre and Hippodrome, Market Street, Leigh

NEW GRAND THEATRE AND HIPPODROME, LEIGH, LANCASHIRE - This new theatre is situated in Market Street, close to the town-hall, the rear abutting on the Avenue, and wide passages exist on each side of the building. The principal entrance is in Market Street, and consists of a spacious vestibule with pay-office in the centre. The floor is finished in mosaic, the walls having a tiled dado, with plaster above. A wide flight of steps leads from the vestibule to the various parts of the house. The entrances to pit and galleries are placed in the side passages. A basement is provided in the front portion of the building and comprises large refreshment room, smoke-room, ladies and gentlemen's lavatories etc, the heating chamber being under the dressing-rooms at the stage end of the building. The front portion of the building on the main floor is utilised for four lock-up shops. The pit accommodates 720. In front of the pit are four rows of orchestra stalls, giving accommodation for about 110. The stage is large, and is fitted up with all the latest improvements. The retiring rooms adjoin the stage. The circle seats 360. Two boxes are provided on this floor, one on each side of the proscenium opening. The usual lavatory accommodation for both ladies and gentlemen is provided on this floor, the manager's office also being on this level. A mezzanine floor is formed between the circle and gallery; over the front portion of the building, on which has been provided a large refreshment room, ladies' room, and store. This floor is approached from the back of the circle. A gallery is provided, giving seating for 700. Ample emergency exits have been provided to each floor. The staircases are of fireproof construction, and are enclosed in brick walls. The walls are of brick, the front facing Market Street being finished in red bricks. The constructional work is executed in steel. The roofs, carried by steel principals, are boarded, felted, and slated. All inside walls are plastered, the more important parts, such as the ceiling over the auditorium, proscenium front, box fronts, and fronts to galleries and circle being finished in ornamental fibrous plaster. The outside dressings to the front are in buff terracotta. The lighting is by electric light. The ventilation is by means of extractors placed on the roofs, with fresh air inlets in water. Mr Isaac Webster has acted as clerk of works. Messrs Prescott and Bold, King Street, Wigan, are the architects. [Building News 12 November 1909 page717]

Reference           Building News 12 November 1909 Page 717 and illustration