Theatre from 1800s that hosted Chaplin to reopen

A derelict music hall where famous stars including Charlie Chaplin and Anthony Hopkins have performed is set to reopen.

After being left empty for over 15 years, the Grade II-listed Palace Theatre 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, most recently, a nightclub.

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

Council leader Rob Stewart said the £10m restoration was "important for future generations and the history of Swansea".

During its heyday, performers including Morecambe and Wise and Laurel and Hardy graced the stage there.

Many original features have been restored, including the arch around the stage, the balustrades and red bricks.

Rich Harries, head of development at Tramshed Tech, which will lease the building, said working closely with architects and builders meant they could "maintain as many of the original features as we can".

He added: "With the fire curtain that was originally here, we’re working with local artists to try and make some artwork out of that curtain, and the pully system for the curtain is being restored."

But the restoration did not come without surprises, including a well that was found in the cellar.

Mr Harries said working with the community was "at the heart of" the project, and that the company wants to "integrate well" with existing Swansea businesses.

Gwenno Jones, head of community at Tramshed Tech, said the building’s use would be multi-purpose and the stage would come to life again.

“By night the main area will be used as an event space, so the stage we’re going to utilise as what it was originally built for," she said.

The Royal Academy of Engineering will also be based at the theatre once it opens, and Michael McMahon said it aimed to work with "innovators and entrepreneurs across the country".

“Obviously we’re right next door to the train station here, we’re in-between university campuses, colleges and lots of different small businesses are set-up in the area, so it suits our needs.”

The project is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh government and Swansea council.

"The Palace Theatre has got a huge amount of history and it’s part of the wider regeneration of Swansea city centre," said Mr Stewart.

He added that the building had been restored "for future generations".

Mr Stewart said the project was part of efforts to cope with a "high demand" for more office spaces in the city centre.

"We don’t want companies when they get to a certain size to leave the city because they can’t stay here, so these projects mean we grow employment and innovative industries here in Swansea."