Pioneer Theatre
26 Northgate,
Dewsbury,
WF13 1DX
26 Northgate,
Dewsbury,
WF13 1DX
No one has favorited this theater yet
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Classic Cinemas (UK), Essoldo Circuit (Contol) Ltd.
Architects: George Arthur Fox, Henry Holtom
Functions: College
Styles: Baroque
Previous Names: Pioneer Pictures, Tatler Cinema Club
Nearby Theaters
This impressive building was opened as the Pioneer Co-operative Society Building in 1879. It was designed by architects Henry Holtam and George Arthur Fox, who also designed the nearby Town Hall. It contained stores on the ground floor. The Pioneer Hall was located on the second floor of the building, with its entrance via 62 stairs located in the clock tower on the left side of the building. The stairs contain beautiful Victorian tiles on the walls, and in the restaurant, area are fine examples of stained-glass windows.
Seating was provided in stalls and circle levels. The proscenium is 31 feet wide, the stage 25 feet deep, and there were four dressing rooms. Initially used as a variety theatre, by 1922, it was known as Pioneer Pictures, and included a mix of films and variety acts as part of the programme. There was also a cafe/restaurant for the convenience of its patrons.
It was known as the Pioneer Theatre by 1944. Taken over by the Essoldo Cinemas chain in 1960, it was taken over by the Classic Cinemas chain from 2nd April 1972, and became a Tatler Cinema Club, screening uncensored sex films. It was closed on 2nd June 1973. It then became a bingo club, which closed in recent years, and part of the space became a Pot Black Snooker Club. The building has been unused since at least 2008. In 2023 it was converted into a college.
The Pioneer Building is a Grade II Listed building.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 5 comments)
A vintage drawing of the Pioneer Building and some additional history here:
View link
Urban Explorers have documented the building in 2008:
View link)
I had the building “listed” while I was living is Dewsbury and won a Public Enquirey to have it preserved.
Interesting interior photo. This appears to be the top of the proscenium arch, but the decorated ceiling extends behind to the rear wall indicating that the room was converted to a theatre, and not part of the original design - perhaps starting as a multi-purpose or concert hall?
Found the answer. The listing text is quite recent and contains a description of the interior.
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101300442-former-co-operative-society-building-pioneer-house-dewsbury-east-ward
“The second floor consists of a single massive space originally used as a concert/public hall and later converted for theatre and cinema use. A later stage, proscenium arch and balcony have all now been removed, and a large steel sub-structure with a mezzanine level has been inserted.”
This building have been converted for use as a college. THis wil preserve the building. The last theatrical use was by the Dewsbury Operatic Society. The projection room was under the clock tower to the audience’s left and a special lens system had to be used to correct the keystone effect.