Quick links to other sections on this page . . .

• Introduction to the Photographs
  
• 1. New Victoria Theatre - Interior & Proscenium
  
• 2. New Victoria Theatre - Auditorium & Balconies
  
• 3. New Victoria Restaurant - Interior
  
• 4. Gaumont Ballroom - Interior
  
• 5. New Victoria Theatre - Ground Floor Plan
  

Introduction to the Photographs
Thanks to the photography of the late John Scwires, we are able to see the classical and ornate splendour of the original 3300+ seater theatre and the Ballroom. John Scwires was, for most of his working life, Chief Projectionist at the original Odeon cinema in nearby Manchester Road, Bradford. John's hobby was photography and was rarely seen without his camera which he continued to enjoy well into his retirement. These photographs have been published many times and used repeatedly by the local press for many decades. It is believed that John's 35mm negatives were actually taken from 3.1/4inch glass slides originally taken for the owners Provincial Cinematograph Theatres. Please enjoy the timeless classical grandeur . . .

1. New Victoria Theatre - Interior and Proscenium

Originally taken in 1930 from a viewpoint in the left-hand side of the front circle. We can see the original stage curtains and the music stands in the orchestra pit with the Wurlitzer organ in the centre. The organ console is difficult to see as its original colour was a dark polished wood, but by around 1940 it had been painted a matt white and gold.

The ornate plaster decoration and dome are based on the Italian Rennaisance style. The three cove 'picture frame' proscenium with concealed lighting and illuminated glass fountains in alcoves on the side walls. The organ sound ducted from the chambers above the ceiling and emanating from the ornate grilles above the proscenium opening.

2. New Victoria Theatre - Auditorium and Balconies

Also taken in 1930 and viewed from the right-hand side of the stage. The colossal auditorium had perfect acoustics for live performances. The arches and pillars at each side were a feature in several of the PCT theatres. The boxes and sweeping curved fronts of the circle and balcony are rich in plaster decoration surrounding panels bearing the names of classical composers and writers. Every seat had an uninterrupted view of the stage.

3. New Victoria Restaurant - Interior

The lofty and spacious New Victoria Restaurant and staff. The restaurant was situated at street level below the Ballroom on the Thornton Road side of the main theatre auditorium. An internal staircase leading from the left-hand side of the Restaurant up to the Ballroom allowing both facilities to be used in conjunction with one another for special events.

4. Gaumont Ballroom - Interior

Photo dating from the early 1950's after the ballroom had been refurbished. The stage and music stands now emblazoned with the 'G' of Gaumont the new name for the vast theatre, ballroom and restaurant complex. The ballroom of the New Victoria/Gaumont was famed for its size, opulence and grandeur rivalling those of the city's two main hotels. It was the place to be for Charity Balls, Company Dinner Dances and other prestige events.

3. New Victoria - Ground Floor Plan

In this enlarged Plan of the Ground Floor it is easy to see the deliberate asymmetrical layout relative to the tower entrances at each end.

The Restaurant adjacent to Thornton Road was (along with the Ballroom upstairs) housed in a separate wing to the main auditorium building.

Source of Plans is unknown and uncredited.