ueen's Theatre.
Wedgwood Street, Burslem,
Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 4JH.
01782 825800
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ueen's Theatre. Wedgwood Street, Burslem, Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 4JH. 01782 825800 |
| Last Updated 25-Mar-2009 21:30 | ||
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Welcome to the Queen's Theatre Burslem, The theatre, designed by Russell & Cooper of London, It was originally commissioned as a town hall, the foundation stone was laid by Alderman Malkin on 14 March 1910. It was built by Harold Arnold & Son and not completed until 1911, when it became a venue for theatre, concerts and other entertainment, then known as the Queen's Hall.
Photo By kind permission of Steve Birks
The history of the building (with the abolition of the Burslem Urban District Council shortly after work had started on the Town Hall) helps to explain the extravagant section of the facade, with the columns and doors of the left wing being very different to the right wing, which is extremely plain and has its own entrance, though clearly built at the same time.
The extravagant facade of this building has three entrances, above each is a simple oval cartouche with a high relief carving. Over the left door the carving depicts an open book and a small trumpet; over the central door, a female head with long curling hair; over the right door a stringed musical instrument.
Photos by kind permission of Steve Birks
The emblems seem to point to the right side of the building's use as a theatre, while the coat of arms with crossed swords and scales seems to indicate a civic use for the left wing.
In 1966 it became the permanent theatre for the North Staffordshire Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, and was also well known as a center for local dance during the 1960s. It had to close in 1998 as the need for repairs grew more pressing, but were neglected - which led to the ceiling collapsing in 1999.
Fortunately in 2003, a 99 year lease for the Theatre was purchased, and a non profit making society (Queens Theatre Production Society) was formed. the society currently receives no monetary assistance with the on-going works to the theatre or its running costs, it is currently partially refurbished as a 1000-seat concert venue / theatre which opened in December 2003, with proceeds from shows and events held, being utilized to continue the works.
Jonathan Wilkes and Robbie Williams have performed on the stage at the Queens - and Jonathon Wilkes made his first ever stage appearance in a Stoke Amateur Operatic Society production of Hans Christian Andersen.
The Queens Theatre in Burslem is the oldest surviving Theatre in Stoke.
