As a result in 1970 Southend Borough Council set up the Palace Theatre Trust which registered as a charity secured the task of establishing a repertory theatre in Southend. Ray Cooney opened the theatre with a production of 'Spider's Web', and thereafter the repertory seasons were produced under three successive Artistic Directors: Tony Clayton, Leslie Lawton and Christopher Dunham, the latter of whom spent over 25 years at the theatre.
In 1973 Southend Council made generous donations to the Trust and the theatre was extensively redecorated.
In 1980 the theatre had an opportunity to obtain the property adjoining to the west of the building and with considerable help from the Appeal committee set up to raise funds for the redevelopment, half the cost supplied by Southend Council and a contribution from the Arts Council, the foyer, courtyard, workshop and wardrobe were built together with the Dixon Studio - a smaller auditorium with space for up to 100 patrons. The Box Office was moved to the new foyer which contains a large public bar and a small bistro. The alterations had cost £314.00. The Palace re-opened in 1982 as the Palace Theatre Centre with a Gala Night performance of 'Cabaret'. In September of that year the Dixon opened with a moving play 'Duct for One'.
In 1986 the theatre was re-wired and in 1987 it closed for three months whilst the main auditorium was restored to its Edwardian splendour. Some areas of seating were reupholstered, lighting upgraded and a new carpet with the theatre's own logo laid in the foyer. This was rather appropriate for in October 1987 the theatre celebrated its 75th birthday. On the 21st October the theatre celebrated its 80th birthday with a play specially commissioned. It was written by Michael Wilcox who spent his childhood here in Westcliff. The incidental music was provided by Barrington Pheloung a local composer.
In March 1999 the theatre closed again, but after only a short period of time Green & Lenagan were retained to operate and programme the theatre on behalf of the Trust, for a period of five years. Roy Marsden has been appointed as Artistic Director of the Palace Theatre Repertory Company and directs at least 5 in-house productions a year. In addition there are lively mix of visiting companies, local amateur societies, one nighters and Sunday concerts. As before the theatre often hosts local bands on Sunday nights, and with free entry the foyer is often full to capacity!
The Dixon Studio compliments the Main House with a wide range of performances by visiting small scale touring theatre, dance and puppet companies. It also is used for some of the in-house productions and for workshops, talks, classes and educational work.
On Saturday 29th June 2002 the Palace Theatre once again closed it's doors to the public with its final performance by the British Touring Shakespeare Company with a wonderful modern and contemporary Production of Henry 5. After only a short period of time West End producers Green & Lenagan leave the old lady of Westcliff in the dark with out a word as to why, with many a rumour in the local press.
After a period of 9 months in the dark The Palace Theatre was once again open to the masses, this time after important renovation work was carried out backstage to the sound and lighting equipment and the general fabric of the building.
The theatre re-opened on 1st April 2003 under newly formed Southend Theatres, formed by merging Southend's Cliffs Pavilion and The Palace Theatre. The Palace will no longer be a repertory theatre. The new format for The Palace is one of receiving smaller scale national tours of with big name major productions and intimate one-night shows featuring prominent performers.
Once again Southend Council strapped for cash they once more closed the Palace in October 2005 A public outcry led to packed meetings with the Council ,attended by names from the acting profession such as Roy Hudd, the setting up of the Palace Theatre Guild to look into ways of protecting the theatre's future, and the presentation of a 22,000 name petition to save the theatre.One of the largest ever procented to Southend Council.
In July 2006 the Council signed an agreement with HQ Theatres to manage and operate the Palace for 15 years helping to safe guard The Palace Theatre for future generations, they immediately set about organizing the programming of the empty theatre for a Christmas 2006 opening with the magical family musical The Wizard of Oz.
The only way Palace Theatre will survive is with the people of westcliff indeed the people of Essex buying tickets and with the people support she then can go from strength to strength .Westcliff need a place for high quality drama to bring the pleasure of live entertainment to each new generation.
The only way Palace Theatre will survive is with the people of westcliff indeed the people of Essex buying tickets and with the people support she then can go from strength to strength .Westcliff need a place for high quality drama to bring the pleasure of live entertainment to each new generation.
