More info at http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/WarringtonTheatres.htm The Palace hippodrome Theatre was built for Frank Macnaghten and constructed by C. W. Davenport to the designs of the architect G. F. Ward. The Theatre opened on Monday the 23rd of September 1907. The Stage Newspaper reported on the imminent opening of the new Theatre in their 19th of September 1907 edition saying:- 'Warrington is soon to be in the happy possession of a handsome up-to-date hippodrome and variety house. The builder and architect are Mr. C. W. Davenport and Mr. G. F. Ward, of Birmingham. Special attention has been given to ventilation, heating, fire-resisting appliances, and the means of ingress and egress. An uninterrupted view of the stage can be obtained from all parts. The building, which is lofty, will accommodate 2, 100 persons, namely, pit 800, circle 500, gallery 800. There is a 29ft. opening for the proscenium. The depth of the stage is 30ft., while the width from wall to wall is 60ft. The fire-proof curtain will work automatically. The place is well-lighted, both by gas and electricity. Special attention is being paid to the furnishing and decoration of the building. The tip-up seats in the circle are of green plush. The decorations, which have been carried out under the personal supervision of Mr. Mack, are on an extensive scale. Attention is drawn to the ceiling, on which are shown a group of Cupids in the Venetian style, while Music and Art are represented by historical paintings, the whole being relieved with gold lines. The disc in the centre is festooned in the style of Louis XV. The front of the boxes in the circle is enriched with crimson and gold, and the panels on the sides of the boxes are in the Wedgwood style. The paper in the pit will be rich red, and in the circle gold and green, intermixed and festooned. The eight dressing-rooms have been fitted up with care, and there is also a large room for the band under the stage.
