Feldman’s Theatre, Hounds Hill, Blackpool

FELDMAN'S THEATRE - Feldman's Theatre is being remodelled, and its stage enlarged, the whole improvements to be carried out at once at a cost of several thousand pounds. It is expected that the theatre will be open again about Easter of next year. The alterations will include the provision of a modern front to the theatre, an extra exit and additional safety precautions, and the theatre will be decorated throughout. When the present scheme is completed, the theatre will have undergone a remarkable transformation in the last few years, little more than the shell of what it was before remaining. Five years ago, the auditorium was raked and re-seated, and in 1935 a circle was built in and other big alterations and additions made. The present scheme is designed to bring the theatre up-to-date from a production aspect, and to enable bigger and more spectacular shows to be presented. Up to now producers, artistes, and stage staffs have worked under cramped and difficult conditions, and visiting companies have frequently been unable to put all their scenery on the stage. A full system of lighting, with dimmers, and all other modern electrical equipment, is to be provided on the stage, which will now be carried forward a distance of five feet into the auditorium, giving a total stage depth of 21 feet. At the same time the proscenium opening will be extended to a width of 25 feet and raised to a height of 19 feet. The stage is also to be raised 10 inches to provide a better view for the audience, and it will be carried across the full width of the theatre. This will be a great boon to the artistes, who now have to mount a flight of steps to make their entrance on the stage. Over the stage the roof of the building is to be removed and rebuilt at a greater height so that scenery can be drawn straight up into the flies instead of being taken a little way up and then having to be rolled up as at present. New dressing rooms are to be built, and an orchestra pit will be made in front of the stage. A new steel safety curtain is also to be installed. A new exit for members of the audience will be made from the stalls in the auditorium near the stage. This will take the form of a fireproof subway, which will lead out into Hounds Hill. In modernising the front of the theatre a handsome verandah will be fitted, new pay-boxes will be made, and more space generally provided for patrons ag they enter the theatre. Considering the difficulties under which they worked, every credit must be given for the pretty scenas and well-presented summer revues which have been at Feldman's Theatre, but there will now be infinitely more scope for effective production. The architects for the scheme are Messrs Mackeith, Derham and Partners, of Blackpool. [Lytham Times 17 December 1937 page 10]