Swansea: Charlie Chaplin’s reopened theatre

A dilapidated music venue that hosted famous stars such as Charlie Chaplin and Anthony Hopkins is set to reopen.

After being left empty for more than 15 years, the Grade II-listed Palace Theater in Swansea will open as a coffee shop, events space and offices in September.

Since it opened in 1888, the building has been used as a music hall, bingo hall and, more recently, a nightclub.

Swansea Council bought the building in 2020, just days after the suspected arson attack.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the £10m refurbishment was „important for future generations and for the history of Swansea”.

In its heyday, artists including Morecambe and Wise and Laurel and Hardy graced the stage there.

Many of the original features have been restored, including the arches, balustrades and red brick surrounding the stage.

Rich Harris, head of development at Tramshed Tech, which leases the building, said that by working closely with the architects and builders they would „maintain as much of the original features as we can”.

He added: „With the fire curtain that was originally here, we’re working with local artists to create some artwork from that curtain, and the pulley system for the curtain is being restored.”

But the restoration didn’t come without surprises, including a well found in the cellar.

Mr Harris said working with the community was „at the heart” of the project and the company wanted to „integrate well” with existing Swansea businesses.

Gwenno Jones, Tramshed Tech’s community leader, said the building’s use would be multi-purpose and the stage would come back to life.

„At night the main area will be used as an event space, so we’re going to use the stage that was originally built,” he said.

When the Royal Academy of Engineering theater opened, Michael McMahon said it aimed to work with „innovators and entrepreneurs across the country”.

„Obviously we’re right next to the train station here, we’re between university campuses, colleges and various small businesses, so it’s perfect for our needs.”

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Government and Swansea Council.

„The Palace Theater has a great history and is part of the wider regeneration of Swansea city centre,” said Mr Stewart.

He added that the building has been renovated for „future generations”.

Mr Stewart said the scheme was part of efforts to tackle the „overwhelming demand” for more office space in the city centre.

„We don’t want companies to leave the city to a certain extent because they can’t afford to stay here, so these projects mean growing employment and innovative industries in Swansea.”