The Albert Hall, Llandrindod Wells

The Albert Hall is a period Victorian theatre and community venue in Llandrindod Wells in Powys, Wales. Originally built as a church hall in 1896, it became a theatre in 1922, with the addition of an art-deco foyer. The exterior of the building, foyer and auditorium remain to this day much as they were then.

The town bought the theatre as a community space in 1961. It was Grade II listed in 1985.^[1] The early history of building and maintaining the Albert Hall was inextricably bound up with the Ithon Road Presbyterian Church, and it is a tribute to the labour of the small membership of the church (approximately 100).

History

1890s

Llandrindod Wells boomed in the late 1800s, when 80,000 to 90,000 visitors came to Llandrindod each year for spa treatment. Many of these people were Welsh speakers and wanted to attend a Welsh church service. The Presbyterian Church needed a place to host Welsh language services and social events, within close proximity to the main church. They employed Owen Morris Roberts to draw up the plans for a church hall, and church members started fund-raising. The Albert Hall was completed in 1896 at a total cost of £2,000. It consisted of a large "hall" space with seating for 750 people, a small stage for choirs, and a small balcony with wooden seating.^[2]

Edward Jenkins, manager of the Gwalia Hotel in the town and a member of the church, suggested that it be named The Albert Hall, since it was around the corner from the Gwalia Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, just as the Royal Albert Hall in London was around the corner from London's Gwalia Hotel.

1905

In the early 1900s, the church members decided it was time to rebuild and extend the adjoining Presbyterian Church. During the construction, church services were held in The Albert Hall. As part of the works, part of The Albert Hall’s basement was converted into a church school room, and the original church Pulpit was relocated there. The church, and school room opened in 1905.