Spennymoor Settlement

The Spennymoor Settlement is a theatre, built in 1938-9 and designed by C Elgey. It remains in use. The building is constructed of red brick in stretcher bond, featuring three levels of flat roof concealed behind parapets. The main entrance, on the south side, has double doors sheltered by a concrete canopy and is flanked by decorative horizontal strips of concrete to the left. A single, metal-framed oblong window is to the left of the entrance, with a dark red brick string course extending from the window top towards the door, and three further string courses extending to the corner of the building. To the right of the entrance are three similar windows, above which is a carved frieze, likely sandstone, by Tisa Hess. This frieze depicts two head-and-shoulders figures supporting masks of comedy and tragedy, though it is weathered. Dark red brick string courses run between the windows and along the right return, continuing along the east side with a line of similar windows. The west side has a line of smaller, metal-framed windows and a side entrance. The north side has a single metal-framed window at the western end; the remainder of this side is blank, representing the back of the stage.

Inside, the main hall comprises a small auditorium with a low, raised stage at one end. There is a small entrance hall adjacent to an auditorium corridor, leading to a boiler room. Mens and Ladies dressing rooms and a kitchen are located along the side of the auditorium. The boiler room retains original pipework for central heating and an original electrical circuit board, which is no longer in use. A lighting board for the stage remains at the rear of the stage. The theatre and its accompanying gardens are owned by trustees. The original Settlement buildings are now in private use.