The Palace Theatre, Swansea- a history of variety (in production 2022)
by Jeff Philphs
,Music Hall since 1888
2022
Now being renovated to reopen in 2023
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Palace Theatre
Filming in 2022
Palace Theatre, Swansea.
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Palace Theatre Swansea- a story of Variety
The Palace Theatre first opened its door in 1888. The wonders of the World poured into Swansea via this building. Ethiopian singers, French jugglers and comedians of all colours took to the stage. Performers brought animals to Swansea never seen before- snakes, fighting bears, snakes wrapped around a Persian woman, exotic birds and even Elephants. Pioneering people of all races and backgrounds went through that door to sing, contort and dance.
The stage had the feet of Charlie Chaplin clog dancing on it in 1895 and the spotlights lit up Antony Hopkins for his first public performance in 1960.
This building is also the birthplace of cinema in Swansea.
The Palace Theatre survived the Nazi bombings in 1941 which devastated Swansea town centre. It was saved from dereliction in 1952 by an infamous Coronation street actress, then settled into old age as a Bingo hall. But the 1980s arrived and the Palace became a notorious Gay club. Then the DJ's got hold of it, opening up to tens of thousands of people to party the night away until the Palace finally closed in 2007.
In 2018 A group of people gathered to 'levitate' the derelict Theatre using only the power of their minds. I was asked to film the levitation to ensure it was witnessed and recorded. They wanted a record to show how they managed to lift 10,000 tonnes of Ebbw Vale red brick and yellow Bath stone into the air. Since that uplifting day, I have felt intrigued to dig deeper and gather peoples memories and stories from that old theatre to explore 133 years of incredible history.
The Palace is being renovated in 2022-23, so this film will be released to coincide with the re-opening.
Please get in touch if you have a story to tell about your time at the Palace Theatre.
I feel compelled to record these stories so, I will be filming throughout 2022 gathering memories.
If you or any friends have any memories about their experiences at the Palace and are willing to share, please get in touch below
or phone or text me, Paul on 07973 298359
The stage had the feet of Charlie Chaplin clog dancing on it in 1895 and the spotlights lit up Antony Hopkins for his first public performance in 1960.
This building is also the birthplace of cinema in Swansea.
The Palace Theatre survived the Nazi bombings in 1941 which devastated Swansea town centre. It was saved from dereliction in 1952 by an infamous Coronation street actress, then settled into old age as a Bingo hall. But the 1980s arrived and the Palace became a notorious Gay club. Then the DJ's got hold of it, opening up to tens of thousands of people to party the night away until the Palace finally closed in 2007.
In 2018 A group of people gathered to 'levitate' the derelict Theatre using only the power of their minds. I was asked to film the levitation to ensure it was witnessed and recorded. They wanted a record to show how they managed to lift 10,000 tonnes of Ebbw Vale red brick and yellow Bath stone into the air. Since that uplifting day, I have felt intrigued to dig deeper and gather peoples memories and stories from that old theatre to explore 133 years of incredible history.
The Palace is being renovated in 2022-23, so this film will be released to coincide with the re-opening.
Please get in touch if you have a story to tell about your time at the Palace Theatre.
I feel compelled to record these stories so, I will be filming throughout 2022 gathering memories.
If you or any friends have any memories about their experiences at the Palace and are willing to share, please get in touch below
or phone or text me, Paul on 07973 298359
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