Page 5 - Palace Theatre @ 100

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As Redditch approaches its 50 Anniversary as a New Town in 2014, the Palace
Theatre, like some elderly resident, looks across and says “been there and done
that!” The Palace Theatre is a survivor and like the town of Redditch has changed and
adapted over the years to survive.

This picture is a good example of
that. The old town is being
redeveloped all around it but the
Palace stands firm knowing it will
eventually blend back in with its new
surroundings.

One of the last of its generation to be
built in the early 20th century, the
Palace was created in an age when
variety was the principal form of
entertainment. The cinema was still
in its infancy, television had not yet
been invented and computers were
not things imagined by even the brightest minds in the country. Yet all these have
matured alongside the Palace and on a good night 425 theatre goers will still come to
a 100 year-old building and leave with a smile on their faces or a song in their hearts.

As a relative newcomer to Redditch I must admit for many years the joys of the Palace
passed me by as my career took me away from the town and my family kept me at
home at night. It's only since retirement has given me free time and age
independence to my children, that I have regularly enjoyed everything from famous
names from my lifetime to the enthusiasm of local amateur dramatic or musical
companies at the Palace. I'm now introducing the next generation to the joys of the
Palace with the now annual visit to the pantomime with grandchildren.

So it was with some enthusiasm I agreed to help in the production of this book which
celebrates the Palace's 100th birthday and through its production I have learned so
much of its illustrious history. I sincerely hope that you will find similar enjoyments
through the contents of this document.

Derek Coombes

Redditch Local History Society

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