Norfolk theatre recognised as 'at risk'
A national charity wants to bring the Great Yarmouth theatre back to its best
Last updated 7th Feb 2023
A Norfolk theatre has been highlighted as 'at risk' in a charity's annual Theatres at Risk Register.
Great Yarmouth's Regent Theatre features on the Theatres Trust's annual list of theatres under threat of closure, redevelopment, or demolition across the UK.
Now in its 17th year, the charity says the register is designed to call the public’s attention to important buildings, their challenges, and the significant cultural opportunities they can bring to local communities.
Why is the Regent Theatre on this list?
The Regent Theatre was originally added to the list in 2022 and remains on this year's list.
The charity explains why: "The building has been vacant since the bar and nightclub closed in 2016. With prolonged vacancy, there is a risk of damage and deterioration.
"Sadly, this has been borne out by recent images that we have seen of damage to the auditorium plasterwork, believed due to water ingress. "We have alerted the local authority and attempted to contact the owner to ensure that the building is inspected and that any necessary repair work is undertaken.
"We await a response but fear that more damage may occur in the meantime."
What's next?
The charity says it wants to see the theatre used to its full potential: "The Regent is well located within Great Yarmouth’s town centre, between the seafront and its core shopping area.
"The building is believed to be substantially complete and could easily be reverted back to theatre and live performance use.
"There could also be an opportunity for sensitive alternative use that retains the volume and significance of its auditorium and would not preclude the building from returning to theatre use should there be future demand."