Regent Theatre and Assembly Rooms, Cross Lane, Salford

Built at a cost of £14,000 for Messrs Hardie, Von Leer and Gordyn as a drama theatre, and opened on 2 September 1895, the Regent Theatre was the first part of a larger complex which included shops, clubrooms and assembly rooms, all designed by Matcham. Capacity 2,500 (1895). Proscenium opening 29ft, stage depth 40ft, stage width 70ft. (1912). Decorations by Binns of Halifax. The theatre became the Palace in 1920 and was converted into a cinema in 1929 It was completely destroyed by fire in January 1952.  Construction of the second phase, including an ornamental front, assembly‑rooms and a number of shops commenced in 1898 with W. Brown and Son acting as main contractor. The Salford Reporter, 24 August 1895 recorded the main features of the new theatre:

The decorations in front of the stage are on a magnificent scale, being in cream and lavender, ornamented with gold. Each side is enriched by a life size figure representing tragedy and comedy. A carved likeness of Shakespeare occupies the centre. The proscenium act drop has been painted by Mr. Noble of Northampton. The principal entrance to the theatre is in Cross lane, where the title, 'The Regent Theatre' figures prominently as a fine piece of carving. At the entrance is a flooring of mosaic work. Three pairs of swinging doors lead into an inner vestibule, also floored with mosaic, and richly decorated. The interior of the house is approached by two side staircases. Ample provision for refreshment is made. [Salford Reporter, 24 August 1895]

The building occupies a convenient site close to the junction of Cross Lane with Regent Road, and has been erected from the designs of Mr Frank Matcham, the well-known theatrical architect. The stage measures 45 feet by 80 feet, and, when necessary, may be divided from the auditorium by means of an iron asbestos curtain. Accommodation is provided for about 3,000 persons, including 900 in the gallery and 800 in the pit. Brightly decorated in cream, lavender and gold, the interior of the theatre provides an attractive appearance, which is not belied by the convenience of the general arrangements for the convenience of the audience. Tested by the proceedings of last night, the acoustics of the house proved remarkably good. [Manchester Guardian 3 September 1895 page 7]

THEATRE, SALFORD - On the 22nd inst., Mr. George R. Sims laid the corner stone of the new frontage of the Regent Theatre and Assembly. Rooms, Salford. The improvements are to be carried out at a cost of £12,000. The theatre was built four years ago, and the premises are now to be completed by the erection of an ornamental front and an assembly-room. Mr. Frank Matcham is the architect, and Mr. W. Brown is the builder. [Builder 29 October 1898 page 390]

REGENT THEATRE, SALFORD – On Saturday Mr George R Sims laid the memorial stone of the Regent Theatre and Assembly Rooms. The Theatre has been open for a considerable time, but the block of buildings of which it forms part, and which will include assembly rooms and a number of shops, is still in the hands of the builders. Mr F Matcham, the architect of the building, presented Mr Sims with a trowel, and Mr W Brown, junior, the builder added a mallet. Mr Sims, after laying the stone, which had been placed in the vestibule of the theatre, made a short speech. [Manchester Guardian 24 October 1898 page 3]

Reference    Manchester Guardian 3 September 1895 page 7 - opening
Reference    The Salford Reporter, 24 August 1895
Reference    Builder 29 October 1898 page 390
Reference    Building News 28 October 1898 page 604
Reference    Manchester Guardian 24 October 1898 page 3