Five days later Mr H.M. Theobald, the architect, lodged the notification of his intention to build the theatre.

[citation needed] In early days it put on variety shows and plays, mostly imported from other theatres.

Variety artists who appeared at the Palace included Marie Lloyd, Evie Greene and Lottie Lennox.

For almost a decade (around the early 1960s), when Peter Cleall began his career at the Palace , the theatre was managed by actor Jimmy Perry, best known for co-writing the television series Dad's Army [3][4] In September 2004, the theatre re-opened after a two-year £8.8million Lottery funded refurbishment, which included more public space, two bars, a daytime café, air cooling and new seating.

Access to the building was improved by the introduction of a lift to all levels, ramps and automated front doors.