Futurist Theatre, Theatre on Foreshore Road in Scarborough, England
The Futurist Theatre was a large entertainment building on Foreshore Road, sitting right on the Scarborough seafront and used as both a cinema and a variety theatre. It had several levels including a stalls area, a balcony, and private boxes, with a total capacity of over 2,000 seats.
The theatre opened in 1921, designed by architect Frank A. Tugwell, and was recognizable from its white glazed tile facade facing the seafront. It served Scarborough for nearly a century before being demolished in 2014.
The Futurist Theatre was the place where generations of Scarborough residents went to see big names in variety, comedy, and film. Its loss prompted strong public debate in the town, showing how deeply the venue was woven into everyday life.
The building no longer exists, having been demolished in 2014, so there is nothing to visit on site today. The plot on Foreshore Road is still accessible and sits right next to the beach, making it easy to locate.
The theatre once housed an organ with 45 stops, which was played during variety shows and gave the hall a sound quite different from a standard cinema. The campaign to save the building ran for years and drew national attention before the demolition was finally approved.
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