A former theatre in Merthyr Tydfil that was once one of the biggest opera houses in South Wales is about to play a leading role once more.
The former Theatre Royal and Opera House, which originally opened in 1892, will take centre stage at Paul Fosh Auctions’ March sale in Newport.
The Grade II-listed building was designed by Merthyr Tydfil architects TC Wakeling in neoclassical style. At its height, the theatre seated 1,500 people with a stage measuring 28ft by 22ft and six dressing rooms.
In the 1920s, the building operated as both a theatre and cinema. It was then converted to a bingo hall in the 1960s before finally closing in the mid 2000s.
Debra Bisley, commercial surveyor at Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “This truly majestic building has a wealth of fascinating history stretching back to 1892 when it opened after costing a princely £8,000 to build – a considerable amount at the time. In the late 1920s, the property was renovated internally in an Art Deco style.
“The property is more than likely to be of interest to local investors, although we have had a number of enquiries from London investors hoping to return it to a theatre and opera house.”
The theatre, which is being sold with a nil reserve, will feature in Paul Fosh Auctions’ online sale on 8-10 March.
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