Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre in Westcliff-on-Sea offering two performance spaces for different types of shows. The main stage features traditional theatre architecture, while the smaller Dixon Studio provides space for experimental work and new productions.

The theatre was built by London architects Ward & Ward and first opened in 1912 under the name Palace of Varieties. It was renamed to its current name later that same year and has remained a fixture in the town since then.

The venue has served as a meeting place for performers and audiences from the area for over a century, shaping local cultural life. The stages regularly host both local and touring companies that keep the theatre active throughout the year.

Access to the venue is straightforward, with the entrance located on the main street of the neighbourhood with good visibility. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for popular events.

Between the world wars, a special projection room was built behind the stage to show films from the rear due to the steep seating arrangement in the upper section. This technical solution allowed the theatre to adapt to changing entertainment demands of the period.

Location: Southend-on-Sea

Official opening: 1912

Address: 430 London Road, Westcliff, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 9LA, England

Website: http://southendtheatres.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.54376,0.69224

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:02