Frank Matcham, who also designed the Coliseum, designed the theater after the National Skating Palace failed on the site. It opened on December 26, 1910, and Walter Gibbons intended it to compete with rival London venues. A temporary Corinthian Bazaar and Hengler's Circus arena came before it. The facade is described as 19th century and stands on the site of Argyll House, demolished in the 1860s.
It holds 2,286 people and has a fly loft, and the revolving stage was removed after The King and I in 2000 to 2002. An unexploded German parachute mine fell through the roof on May 11, 1941 and was made safe on stage.
It is Grade II* listed. The text dates the listing to 1960 and the infobox to 1972. LW Theatres is listed as owner.
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