Had been keeping an eye on this one since it closed in 2007, but finally managed to get it done at the beginning of last year. It had been an awfully long time since I had last set foot in the place, the last time being for a Christmas panto when I was in primary school. Its a pretty large building with many huge cavernous spaces, quite different from the usual older theatres. First visited with my former partner in crime, then returned numerous times with MD, Boothy, Mr Carrot, Mr Sam and numerous others.
The Haymarket Theatre was built in 1973 to supersede the Phoenix Theatre. It was built immediately opposite what had been the Palace Theatre on Belgrave Gate, which had been demolishe in the 1960's. The Architects were Stephen George and Dick Bryant of the City Architects department, and Peter Forbes of the Building Design Partnership. The auditorium sat 750 people in a wide fan shape, close to the stage. The stalls seating was well stepped giving a good clear view of the vast stage.
The Theatre had a brief closure in 2003 to 2004 due to financial problems. The last production in 2006 was 'The Wizard of Oz' featuring Helena Blackman and Ceri Dupree. It then closed and was replaced by the new 'Curve' theatre in the new 'cultural quarter'. The City Council had plans to reopen the venue in the summer of 2011, converted to a £6.5 million Youth Centre. Some stripping took place, but then the project was abandoned and the theatre still remains empty.
The Haymarket Theatre was built in 1973 to supersede the Phoenix Theatre. It was built immediately opposite what had been the Palace Theatre on Belgrave Gate, which had been demolishe in the 1960's. The Architects were Stephen George and Dick Bryant of the City Architects department, and Peter Forbes of the Building Design Partnership. The auditorium sat 750 people in a wide fan shape, close to the stage. The stalls seating was well stepped giving a good clear view of the vast stage.
The Theatre had a brief closure in 2003 to 2004 due to financial problems. The last production in 2006 was 'The Wizard of Oz' featuring Helena Blackman and Ceri Dupree. It then closed and was replaced by the new 'Curve' theatre in the new 'cultural quarter'. The City Council had plans to reopen the venue in the summer of 2011, converted to a £6.5 million Youth Centre. Some stripping took place, but then the project was abandoned and the theatre still remains empty.
