The Princes Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea is celebrating its 95th anniversary this month, marking nearly a century of serving as a central hub for entertainment and community events in the town. Since its official opening on 14 April 1931 by Prince Arthur of Connaught, the venue has hosted generations of audiences for everything from drama and music to public celebrations.
The theatre, which is located within the Grade II listed Clacton Town Hall building on Station Road, was designed in 1926 by the architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas. The structure was built on land that had previously served as a potato field. Over the years, the theatre’s capacity has changed, shifting from an original 1,250 seats down to its current capacity of 820.
Managed by Tendring District Council since 1974, the venue remains a busy cultural site, staging more than 150 shows, seminars, exhibitions, meetings, and weddings annually. Visitors to the theatre can still see historical elements, including a proscenium arch featuring the Latin motto Lux Salubritas Et Felicitas, which translates to Light, Health and Happiness.
Some of the building’s original mechanical features remain in use today, such as a 2-ton iron safety curtain, a 20-bar hemp rope counterweight flying system, and a lantern ventilation system designed to help expel heat and smoke. Recent maintenance work in 2024 also provided a glimpse into the building’s history, with staff uncovering items left behind by those who worked on the site over the decades. These finds included old cigarette packets believed to have been left by original builders and a handwritten note from 3 February 1993 signed by a contractor named Ron Jessop.
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