The Gaiety Theatre can be found on Harris Promenade in Douglas and is part of The Villa Marine and Gaiety Theatre entertainent complex and is owned and operated by the Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development.
The following is an extract from the Villa Gaiety website:
'The Gaiety Theatre is the jewel in the Manx Heritage crown. Steeped in history and tradition, the Gaiety is one of the finest remaining examples of work from the legendary theatre architect, Frank Matcham (
visit link) First opened in 1900, the Gaiety Theatre has undergone extensive restoration for 30 years to return it to its current magnificent condition. It is a stunning setting to enjoy a year round calendar of plays, musicals, concerts and comedy shows.'https://www.villagaiety.com/about-us/
The theatre is proud to host top class shows throughout the year not only during the summer holiday season.
To appreciate the the theatre building to its fullest extent during the summer season there are organised tours of the building on Saturdays. (
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The Theatres Trust website gives further details of both the interior and exterior of this splendid building. (
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The theatre building was built in 1893 to a design by W J Rennision (
visit link) It was built to serve as a large pavillion, rather than as a theatre, and was constructed on the site of the original Villa Marina building.
Frank Matcham was engaged to redesign the building as a theatre and worked with the builder, Jonas Binns of Halifax in association with a local entrepreneur, developer and builder, Alexander Gill.
The Theatre opened in 1900 as 'The Grand Opera House and Theatre'.
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Source: An Introduction to the Architecture of the Isle of Man by Patricia Tutt (ISBN:978-1-907945-10-6)
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