The Theatre Royal in Hyde opened in 1902 and was later converted for use as a cinema. It closed in 1993 and has stood disused ever since.
Opening in 1902, the Theatre Royal in Hyde was a replacement for an older theatre nearby of the same name. The theatre was built by S. Robinson and Sons of Hyde to the design of Campbell and Horsley of Manchester and could seat 1400 people. Two balconies curve round to meet the proscenium, the stage area was large and included a host of dressing rooms to one side. In 1914 a movable screen was added onto the stage to enable the theatre to operate as a part-time cinema.
The popularity of live performances declined in the 1970s so the decision was made to convert the theatre to cinema-only use. In 1972 the main auditorium was used as a full-time cinema screen, with the stage area being converted into a second screen.
The cinema closed in the 1990s when the London-based owners uncovered fraudulent activity taking place there. They considered the theatre a liability and the final film was shown in August 1993, despite being full.
The projection booth contains two Kalee projectors with President lamphouses, both on Universal bases. These date from the 1950s. A later Westar projector also remains.
This place needs to be saved. It’s such a waste of a beautiful building.