The history of The Alexandra Theatre
The Alexandra Theatre is Newton Abbot’s only fully functioning theatre. The Grade 2 building is used as a Theatre for three weeks each year under an agreement with Teignbridge District Council who own the building. The remainder of the time it is used as a Cinema, the present lessee being Scott Cinemas.
The building and the adjoining Market Hall were built in 1871. The building was intended to be used as a Corn Exchange, but it was never used as such and was used instead as a Public Hall, named after the popular Princess – later Queen – Alexandra.
“The loss of a theatrical venue in the town would have long term effects on the community that cannot be measured.”
In 1883, just twelve years after it was built, the Alexandra Hall was converted to form a theatre by the introduction of a stage area within the first bay of the Market Hall with dressing rooms beneath and an orchestra pit in front. A proscenium arch regional theatre was created. This theatre style became theatre design ‘gold standard’ the length and breadth of the UK with the most notable projects undertaken by Newton Abbot born theatre architect Frank Matcham. The theatre was used primarily for local functions and touring music hall acts and also for magic lantern and early cine films. In 1926 the function of the theatre was improved by the introduction of a balcony and fixed raked seating installed in both the lower stalls and the balcony providing a seating capacity of 526 seats for use both for cinema and theatre performances.
The use of the space as a theatre reduced in the mid-20th century as the popularity of the cinema grew, and this has been the pattern of use ever since. The local Newton Abbot and District Musical Comedy Society (NADMCS) use the theatre for the annual pantomime for two weeks after Xmas and for a public show by the NEWTS young actors each spring. The opportunity for the use of the space for other theatre and cultural performances has not been possible because of the terms of the lease agreement between Teignbridge and Scott Cinemas.
‘The Alexandra Theatre and Market Hall to the rear’, which is the listing description, was listed grade 2 in June 1972 (List Entry No. 1256893).
When Teignbridge were considering plans for a new four screen cinema within the town centre, they commissioned a study by Fruit Tree consultants. This has not been made publicly available, but it is understood that it concluded that the use of the Alexandra solely as a local theatre would require financial support from the Council. This was not acceptable to Teignbridge who require the use of the Alexandra to produce an income for the Council.
This then is the crux of the problem and the basis of the current argument between Teignbridge and many within this community. Those supporting the retention of the theatre believe that it can become a cultural hub for Newton Abbot, providing a venue for theatre, music, comedy, dance, presentations and much more, and they want the opportunity to debate this vision with Teignbridge and time to produce a robust business plan which will show its viability. Teignbridge have been wedded to the idea of removing the listed theatre and using the space created as an extension of the Market Hall with fast food outlets, a bar, seating, and entertainment which they believe will a popular venue for both the day and evening economy and produce an income for the Council.
The Alexandra Theatre can be seen on national databases and is recognised as being under threat by the Theatres Trust, the statutory body set up to protect listed and historic theatres.
https://theatricalia.com/place/5m8/alexandra-theatre-newton-abbot
https://database.theatrestrust.org.uk/resources/theatres/show/1383-alexandra