Palace Theatre, Swansea

The Palace Theatre is a building located at the northern end of High Street, Swansea, Wales, recognisable for its distinctive wedge shape. Originally built in 1888 as a traditional music hall, the building's original name was the 'Pavilion'. During its lifetime, the building has been used as a bingo hall as well as a gay nightclub. The Grade II Listed building is one of just two purpose-built music halls left standing in the whole of the UK. In the early years of the 20th century stars like Charlie Chaplin, Lilly Langtry, Marie Lloyd and Dan Leno filled the venue. Sir Anthony Hopkins made his first professional stage appearance there in 1960 with Swansea Little Theatre's production of 'Have A Cigarette'. Also in the early 1960s, Morecambe and Wise were booked. Ken Dodd was the last stand-up comedian to appear there before it became nightclub in the 1970s. It was also the first place in Wales to show a silent picture and remained undamaged by the blitz that destroyed much of Swansea city centre during the Second World War. The ground floor bar and lounge was used as a licensed pub for many years before closing. Eventually the theatre was sold for £300, 000 to a property company, but in 2010 it was still derelict and actor Edward Fox joined a campaign to have it restored.

The Palace Theatre is a building located at the northern end of High Street, Swansea, Wales, recognisable for its distinctive wedge shape. Originally built in 1888 as a traditional music hall, the building's original name was the 'Pavilion'. During its lifetime, the building has been used as a bingo hall as well as a gay nightclub. The Grade II Listed building is one of just two purpose-built music halls left standing in the whole of the UK. In the early years of the 20th century stars like Charlie Chaplin, Lilly Langtry, Marie Lloyd and Dan Leno filled the venue. Sir Anthony Hopkins made his first professional stage appearance there in 1960 with Swansea Little Theatre's production of 'Have A Cigarette'. Also in the early 1960s, Morecambe and Wise were booked. Ken Dodd was the last stand-up comedian to appear there before it became nightclub in the 1970s. It was also the first place in Wales to show a silent picture and remained undamaged by the blitz that destroyed much of Swansea city centre during the Second World War. The ground floor bar and lounge was used as a licensed pub for many years before closing. Eventually the theatre was sold for £300, 000 to a property company, but in 2010 it was still derelict and actor Edward Fox joined a campaign to have it restored.