06/08/2025
Former Borough Theatre on the site of where Impulse Studios also once was housed.
Previously located High Street East, Wallsend.
The architects were J. Fleming Davidson and Charles D. James.
Councillor Joseph Duffy, who was elected Mayor of Wallsend in November 1909 and died in July 1910 while in office, built the theatre.
The theatre opened as a live venue in October 1909. The interior featured red plush, ornate plasterwork, and a white marble staircase.
It had a seating capacity of 1,336 people and was equipped with a Bioscope projection box at the rear of the circle.
1914, Black's Theatres operated the venue.
1930, it had 1,100 seats across the stalls, circle, and gallery levels.
In 1928, Denman Picture Houses, a subsidiary of Gaumont British Theatres, took over the Borough Theatre.
In 1935, the cinema underwent minor alterations.
In 1946, the theatre was renamed Gaumont.
In 1949, it was refurbished and altered according to the plans of the architectural firm Percy L. Browne and Harding.
In 1960, the theatre was converted into a bingo hall and at some point reverted to its original name.
A false ceiling was installed from the front of the gallery to the proscenium.
Bingo operations ceased in 2005, though an amusement arcade in the former foyer continued for several more years.
The amusement arcade chain went out of business in 2005, leaving the building empty.
Campaigners attempted to save the building, arguing it could be refurbished and transformed into a cultural entertainment venue.
However, North Tyneside Council deemed it an eyesore and financially unviable for refurbishment, deciding to demolish it.
Around 2011, the building was demolished, and flats were constructed in its place.
