Derelict theatre must be restored - former manager

The former manager at a century-old seaside theatre has called for the building to be reopened and restored to its former glory.

The Regent Theatre in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, was built in 1914 but has become derelict since closing in 2016.

Trevor Wicks said "this could be a magnificent civic theatre".

The Theatres Trust charity placed the building on its at-risk register in 2022, highlighting venues under threat of closure, redevelopment or severe decay.

"This place needs to be open to the public in some form," said Mr Wicks.

"It's not impossible and I think if somebody has the will and the people involved have the enthusiasm, then it can be done."

The building is privately owned by a church group based in east London, which has promised to reopen it as a community centre.

In its heyday, the building sat 1,679 people, with a 30ft-deep stage (9m) and orchestra pit.

It hosted variety acts including singers, jugglers and acrobats.

It was used primarily as a cinema between 1929 and 1982, before becoming a bingo hall and a nightclub, before its eventual closure.

Mr Wicks walked through the doors as a trainee assistant manager and has long campaigned for it to reopen.

Three years ago, he said he discovered rainwater had penetrated the roof, leading to large chunks of plasterwork falling from the ceiling and areas of rust.

"There's no heating, there's no ventilation, it's just going to decay. We must not let this happen," said Mr Wicks.

David Tate, who was a projectionist at the theatre for nearly 30 years, told the BBC: "History has this habit of fading away, people are always looking forward, not many people look back."

He said the theatre needed "a lot of money" and not just a lick of paint.

Joshua McTaggart, chief executive at Theatres Trust, said: "Although this building has been on the list for three years, that has given us an opportunity to lobby the local authority to look at its use.

"We can also make people in the local area aware of this beautiful cultural gem on their doorstep and how they might want to get involved in its future."

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said the owner had repaired the roof and was checking on the property on a weekly basis.

A spokesperson said they had been told the owner planned to reopen the building as a food bank and church.

''The Regent Theatre is priority for the council's conservation officer. It is a precious building of real historic and architectural value," they said.

''Interior plaster work still needs attention and will need the involvement of a specialist conservator.

"But the owners are doing well and [are] making good progress."

Pastor Abraham Daniel-Joel leads the church group based in east London which owns the building.

He told the BBC there were plans to reopen it by the end of March as a Christian community centre, but did not give further details.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.