Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent


For other theatres with a similar name, see Victoria Theatre
Victoria Hall is a concert hall located in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group.

History

Victoria Hall was constructed as an annex to Hanley Town Hall in 1888, as part of the city's celebrations for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Originally the building had a capacity of 2800 people, but this has since been reduced considerably to 1467 as seating replaced wooden forms and benches. The original building was made of red brick and terracotta, and designed by local borough surveyor Joseph Lobley.
As an adjunct to the town hall, the building originally had minimal front-of-house facilities. To remedy this, an extension was constructed in 1999 as part of the development of the Cultural Quarter, providing a new entrance space with information desk and a café. This extension also houses administration for the Ambassador Theatre Group, who operate the venue and the nearby Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. Until 2011, the local Tourist Information Centre was housed here also.