Page 7 - Palace Theatre @ 100

And So It Begins

The Redditch Indicator, Saturday August 2, 1913:

‘REDDITCH PALACE

Redditch Remembers
For many years it has been a subject of complaint among
the public of Redditch and district that they have been As we approach the
inadequately and unsatisfactorily served in the matter of
th
entertainments, the chief trouble of course being that the 100 birthday of the
town possessed no hall which could be said to be specially Palace Theatre,
constructed for and properly adapted to theatrical Redditch residents and
performances. With the opening of the Redditch Palace, others involved in the
Alcester Street, on Monday next, 4th instant, the reproach theatre, have been
and cause of complaint will be removed, and the local asked to recall their
public will then have an opportunity of showing that they memories of this
were in earnest in their complaints and that they Redditch institution.
appreciate the efforts of those who thus meet their wishes
and needs. The provision of the new theatre – or to give it So as well as a brief
its proper designation, the Redditch Palace – is due to the history of the Palace, on
initiative and enterprise of Mr. H. K. Hales, one of the most the following pages
popular and successful entrepreneurs in the Midlands. you’ll find many of
those ‘memories.’

Architecturally, the new theatre in Alcester Street follows
the Grecian style. By its provision Redditch will be
presented with an entirely up-to-date hall, planned in the
most expert manner, constructed to ensure the absolute
safety, comfort and convenience of every member of the
audience and the staff, and replete with every
accommodation and appurtenance necessary to the best
stage production and management. Mr. Bertie Crewe, the
architect of over fifty theatres in Great Britain and the
Continent – including, among others, in London, the
London Opera House and the New Prince’s Theatre – is
responsible for the designing of the new building.

The ventilation and warming of the house is as near perfect
as the most modern and approved methods and appliances
can render it. High-power electric exhaust fans in ducts
will change the atmosphere every ten minutes, and the
incoming fresh air will be heated by the low-pressure
hot-water radiator system.’

1913
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