#theatre — Modernist Delights

Princess Theatre, Torquay, 2025

A large white building labelled “Princess Theatre” in blue letters. Several blue doors and vertical lines decorate the exterior. Palm trees and benches sit outside, with a hillside and overcast sky in the background. No people are present.

A modern glass-fronted building labelled Princess Theatre with large rounded windows, white trim, and ramp access. Posters are visible near the entrance. In the background, a Ferris wheel and hillside buildings can be seen under a cloudy sky.

Designed by F. T. W. Nixon & G. R. Todd Architects for Torquay Council, opening in 1961. As is so often the case, possibly more attractive from the back.

External stairs & vent, National Theatre, London, 2025

A brutalist concrete staircase with three steep flights leads to upper levels, framed by thick railings. Metal barriers and a traffic cone block the lower entrance. The building’s geometric, angular lines dominate the symmetrical design.

Stairwell, National Theatre, London

A dimly lit concrete stairwell with dark carpeted steps leads upward and turns left; stainless steel railings line both sides. The walls are textured concrete, and a small sign reading “STAIRS” is visible above the landing.

Garrick Theatre, Southport, 2025

A large art deco building formed of two squareish shapes at the side with a lower main body in the middle. The building is in a bad state of repair, with hoarding and scaffolding around it.

Seaside moderne, the Northern way. Like many buildings of such nature, this had been a theatre, cinema, and a bingo hall, but is now in a sorry state. Now awaiting conversion to “residential, hotel, spa and retail units at ground floor, and the refurbishment of the existing auditorium as an event space”.