Assembly Hall Theatre

Built by the Tunbridge Wells Corporation and designed by Percy Thomas and Ernest Prestwich, the Assembly Hall Theatre opened on 24 May 1939. When first built, the auditorium had a capacity of 822 on the ground floor, with a further 320 in the balcony. During World War II, the theatre was used for dances for troops, film shows and events to raise money for the war effort. By 2001, the theatre was attracting audiences of over 150,000 each year. The theatre was refurbished in 2001 with works including the provision of additional dressing rooms, remodelling the bar, repainting of the foyer and front of house areas, and new seating, air conditioning and other facilities. The auditorium closed…

The building is predominantly built from brick, with details in silver and red bricks and in Portland stone. The walls and floor of the entrance hall are of Roman Travertine Marble, with gold and fawn ceilings. A large lounge was constructed parallel with the main hall, originally designed for suppers to be served when the hall was used for dances.