The original theatre on this site
was built in 1884 to a design by C. J.
Phipps. It was rebuilt in 1937 in Art
Deco style and on this occasion the architect
was Robert Cromie.
Apparently, Gracie Fields sang to the workmen
as she laid the foundation stone of the new
building on 17 June 1937. The new design
increased the seating capacity from the
original 800 to 1100 and provided a larger
stage and a stalls bar large enough to include
a dance floor. According to Wikipedia
the Prince of Wales was refurbished again in
2004. This time the seating capacity was
increased to 1160, new bars were added and the
exterior was given, " ... new LED
lighting and a crisp modern finish."
