The Victoria Pavillion was built in 1897 as part of an extension to the original Winter Gardens (now demolished).

The theatre (seen to the right) staged its last performance in 1977.  It was externally restored in the mid 1990s and has since been taken over by the Friends of the Victoria Pavillion.

The theatre is partially open to the public, usually on Sundays. There's access to the foyer but access is limited in the auditorium.

The building was recently granted planning permission to level the sloping floor in the auditorium, thus allowing it to be open for a range of functions.

The 'Friends' plan is to create a multipurpose 1300 entertainment centre in the main auditorium which will be renamed after Thora Hird. Also included is the development of a theatrical school within the building.