Built by Frank Matcham. Opened 26 Dec 1889 as "Theatre Royal and Opera House". 1919 auditorium modernisation by W. W. Longbottom. From 1933, used exclusively as a cinema. 1937 major exterior and interior rebuilding by C. R. Cooper and Chris H. Cooper. Re-opened as "Royal Cinema" (1310 seats). 1979 renamed "Essoldo Cinema", 1980 renamed "Classic Cinema". Various interior rebuildings. Closed 9 May 1985, subsequently demolished in favour of shops.

[This theatre is not to be confused with the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.]

Links: CinemaTreasures, Wikidata