Initially it was known as the Theatre Royal and staged touring variety shows as well as plays. In the years since, the theatre has gone through several incarnations, becoming a skating rink, bingo hall, cinema and magic lantern theatre. It has also spent many years in darkness
The Savoy building of today opened on March 5th, 1928 and contains all the lavish decorative characteristics of a fine city centre theatre, with elaborate plasterwork, gilded decoration, comfortable seating with excellent legroom, and great sightlines from both the stalls and the balcony. It also has outstanding stage acoustics.
It is open today thanks to a small team of dedicated enthusiasts who acquired the current lease in 2004 and set about restoring it to its former glory by launching a programme of refurbishment. This included total redecoration, the installation of a new cinema screen, introduction of a new sound system and investment in a new heating system as well as comfortable new seating.
Since then, the Savoy has been staging a programme of live stage plays, pantomimes, comedy and musical shows, and a regular cinema programme.
