Grand Opera House [Belfast]
Grand Opera House
Gran ópera de Belfast
Theatre building in Belfast, United Kingdom
theater in het Verenigd Koninkrijk
2-4 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7HR, Northern Ireland
became a cinema in the 50's and 60's and survived threat of demolition in the 70's and 2 IRA bombs in the 90's.
Built 1895 by Frank Matcham. Opened 23 Dec 1895. 1904-1909 named Palace of Varieties. Originally used for opera, musical, drama and pantomime performances. Since the 1920s, mainly used as a variety theatre. During World War II, used as a repertory theatre. Later bought by the Rank Organisation. 1950 rebuilding of dress circle, bar, and entrance by Henry Lynch Robinson. 1961 converted into a cinema by J. McB. Neill. 1980 major restoration by Robert McKinstry and Melvyn Brown, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. 1991 and 1993 damaged by terrorist bombs. Subsequently repaired by Robinson and McIlwaine. Used for opera, musical, and drama performances by touring companies.
date uncertain
major technical upgrade