Alhambra Theatre

The Alhambra Theatre was built in 1914 as a variety theatre for Francis Laidler, who previously owned the Princes Theatre. Designed by architects Chadwick and Watson from Leeds, the exterior is faced in white faience, which is now painted white and blue, featuring yellow domes. The theatre is situated on a narrow, sloping, triangular site with a bowed corner entrance at the apex, adorned with an iron and glass canopy. Above this entrance rises a large domed turret supported by giant-paired Corinthian columns. The rear of the building steps up to culminate in a tall square tower with small domes. The side elevation facing Mealey Street is articulated in panels by pilasters and features an entablature with urns on the parapet. The section facing Great Horton Road is constructed of plain red brick. The auditorium, which accommodates approximately 1,800 people, is richly decorated with plasterwork, featuring two tiers, a balcony, and an aisle. The curved balcony fronts have moulded plasterwork, and the boxes have elliptically bowed balconies set in round arched openings, flanked by giant fluted Corinthian columns. The arch contains wall paintings and is flanked by caryatids. The ceiling of the auditorium is circular and decorated, with a small rectangular dome at the center. The proscenium arch is rectangular and has a painting above it.