The first theatre on the site in Commerce Street, Longton (coordinates 52°59′12.8″N 2°8′2.3″W / 52.986889°N 2.133972°W / 52.986889; -2.133972) was opened on 10 September 1888; it was a three-storey building of red sandstone.
[1][2] A new theatre, designed by Frank Matcham, was opened on 18 May 1896.
It had a richly decorated interior, and seated 2500, in orchestra stalls, dress circle and balcony levels.
[1][2][4] A fire, thought to be arson, destroyed most of the building on 31 December 1992.
The façade survived, and rebuilding was considered; but it was eventually demolished in 1997.