Built in Mainsforth Terrace in 1868 as the New Theatre Royal, it was renamed the 'Gaiety' in 1872. It could seat 1,500 people . Moving pictures were first shown here in 1902. In 1914 it was again renamed, this time the 'Palace', before being changed back to 'Gaiety' in 1933. It closed down in 1957 and was eventually demolished in 1967.
The derelict Gaiety Theatre in Mainsforth Terrace. The Palace Hotel is next door left and at the end of the block on the right, the Station Hotel.
More detail »Taken in 1966, it shows the theatre in a state of disrepair.
More detail »Programme showing not only the entertainment but adverts for a number of local businesses and a location map of the theatre. It is dated Monday October 17th 1887.
More detail »Gaiety Theatre advertising board.
More detail »This hand sewn silk programme, which is about A5 size, seems to have been perhaps for special guests. The programme states ' in the presence of Ralph Ward Jackson esq. MP and is dated November 27th 1868. Ward Jackson had just become MP in this year. Robert Wood's book of West Hartlepool states the theatre opened in 1869.
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The Palace Hotel, 10 Mainsforth Terrace, in 1966. The Gaiety Theatre can be seen to the right.
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