Prince of Wales Theatre
82 St. Mary Street,
Cardiff,
CF10 1FA
82 St. Mary Street,
Cardiff,
CF10 1FA
2 people
favorited this theater
Showing all 15 comments
Photos from March 2012
EXTERIOR
BOX DETAIL
PROSCENIUM
AUDITORIUM TO REAR
STAGE GRID
Although no longer a cinema or theatre this venue is now a popular Weterspoons pub. The chain has restored some of the glory once seen when entering the auditorium for film shows.
The former circle is in use for drinking and dining as is the stalls. The stage forms a second bar area and several private balcony boxes have been restored. It really is impressive and splendid and a showcase for the pub chain.
Lovers of old cinemas can sit with a pint for an hour or so and clearly see how splendid the auditorium would have been.
Apologies, the link posted on the 17 Aug 2007 is incorrect, here is the correct one, which I think shows the details mentioned in the previous post:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1150765601/
Has nobody noticed that on the side wall of the outside of this building there is, picked out in stone, the outline of a church said to commeramate that this theatre was built on the site of St Marys Church.
A shot of the Prince of Wales Theatre, next to the Philharmonic Hall, here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5066661745/
It was a new-build in 1877, adjoining the Philharmonic Hall which was opened shortly before it.
The “Theatre Royal” that burnt down was an old building in what is now Park Place,the site of the Park Hall (qv) and Hotel, almost opposite the site of the New Theatre (1906)
The Cardiff Library on-line catalogue will provide evidence from the directories of 1889-90, including a drawing which shows that the Wood Street frontage today contains much that dates from that period, either original or restored.
The interior was reconstructed a couple of times, Wetherspoon’s have pictures showing the interior at different times in the ground floor bar.
Editha; It certainly was originally the Theatre Royal, as stated in the aka’s above the theatres name on this page.
During my time in Cardiff (1955 – 1962 ) I was often regaled with a story that the building had been originally opened as the “Theatre Royal”. Can anyone say that this was indeed the case or alternatively confirm it was just another local myth?
A photo of a different facade of the theatre here:–
View link
A 1989 shot of the derelict theatre can be found here:–
View link
The chronology of this building’s names needs to be checked as in the years around 1930 as a theatre it was still known as the Playhouse and was known by this name when taken on by William Coutts.
Great. Thanks for the advice.
There are some great cinema buildings in South Wales that can still be seen. Swansea has some great buildings -The Albert Hall, The Carlton-foyer only as auditorium demolished in the 90s but foyer is a cafe with amazing atmosphere. The Odeon and the castle Cinema . All worth a visit. The Prince Of Wales in Cardiff is great to and have a beer in and see the auditorium.
I am planning a trip to London and Scotland next summer. I’m wondering if a side trip to Wales would be a significant detour, and if the sights are worth making the side trip. Any advice would be appreciated.