Show to go on as pier theatre set for £2.4m revamp

2 hours ago

Owen SennittNorfolk

News image — The Grade II-listed Pavilion Theatre was originally built in 1905

BBC A Victorian pier in Cromer, Norfolk, juts out into the North Sea, with metal supports in view as waves lap on the beach on a sunny day. The Pavilion Theatre can be seen at the end of the pier, which is busy with people — The Grade II-listed Pavilion Theatre was originally built in 1905

A landmark theatre could undergo a £2.4m refurbishment of its auditorium as part of efforts to secure its future.

North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) is considering borrowing money to fund improvements to the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Plans include adding insulation to help block out noise caused by rough seas and improving temperature control inside the auditorium.

The programme of works follows several upgrades to the Grade II-listed theatre, originally built in 1905, which according to the NNDC hosts the "world's only remaining full-season end-of-pier variety show".

Owen Sennitt/BBC The view of the Victorian pier from above, showing the steps on to it, entrance and theatre in the distance — Cromer Pier is celebrating its 125th birthday this year

Cabinet members will meet on 1 June to discuss the proposals, which include installing new heating and cooling systems, upgrading lighting and sound, and refurbishing the auditorium's 440 seats.

The council owns the pier and theatre and therefore has responsibility for their upkeep.

It is also seeking external funding for the project.

The work would be carried out at the same time as repairs to the substructure.

Owen Sennitt/BBC The view of a Victorian pier with metal structures holding it up from the beach as seagulls fly above on a sunny morning. — Sunrise at Cromer Pier, which was built in 1901

Council officers have called the project a "fitting tribute to the council's stewardship of this historic landmark".

NNDC is due to be abolished next year in favour of a new unitary authority, East Norfolk, which would cover parts of north Norfolk and the Great Yarmouth area.

A man with glasses wearing a wax jacket and green shirt smiles while looking towards the camera. — Tim Adams, Liberal Democrat leader of North Norfolk District Council

Tim Adams, leader of NNDC, said it would be the authority's last major project and described it as the "missing piece" of wider refurbishments to the pier and theatre, which have also included improvements to backstage and front-of-house areas.

"This investment will ensure the future of the theatre," he said.

"We have reached 125 years of the pier this year. It is a huge achievement to have got to this point, considering all of the storms and marine accidents that have occurred."

Adams said the work could begin in January next year after the Christmas show had finished and was expected to be completed by May.

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.