Urbex: Wallsend Borough Theatre

The Wallsend Borough Theatre opened in 1910, designed and built by J Fleming Davidson & C D James and became Wallsend’s main theatre following the Corned Beef Tin theatre being burned down some 4 years previous. An operating box at the rear of the circle was installed in 1911 making this capable of being both a theatre for live shows, but also a cinema.

Initially operating as a true theatre, enjoying many performances from the local boy Stan Laurel prior to his eventual fame in Hollywood, the building later moved over to primarily film based shows rather than live events.

The Gaumont chain of cinemas acquired the site in 1946 and operated it as a cinema for 14 years before it closed in 1960. Although rumours were afoot that the building would be converted into a bingo, as is often the case with old cinemas after closure, this was never to happen. The lower level of the front of the theatre was converted to an amusement arcade, and still sits with many machines in the foyer from this period of its life. Some of the upper rooms were converted to a recording studio which operated under the name Impulse Studios.

Impulse saw some passing flashes of fame, being known to be partially used by Lindisfarne for recording some of their work, as well as being the primary location for recording of the Geordie Aid album, Newcastle’s answer to Band Aid. Geordie Aid had such well known performers as John Miles, Olga (Toy Dolls), Brian Johnson (AC/DC), actor Tim Healy of Aufedersein Pet fame. Other notable recordings made at the studios were Bare Faced Cheek album by the Toy Dolls, Wiped Out album by Raven and Venom’s debut single In League With Satan.

In 2005 the amusement arcade went bust, and the building was closed entirely, laying rotting ever since. Much of the interior exists in its original state, though sadly a suspended ceiling has meant many holes have been drilled into the original plaster for suspension wires which could possibly cause problems with having it listed in the future.

The main staircase customers would have used

An abandoned safe in Wallsend Borough Theatre

Looking down from the upper circle at Wallsend Borough Theatre

The rest of the album can be seen in my gallery by clicking here.

~Shepy