Eastern Esplanade Pavilion Theatre, Ryde
The Eastern Esplanade Pavilion Theatre at Ryde was constructed in 1926/7 for Ryde Town Council at an estimated cost of £10,000 (iwcp - circa £620,000 in 2019) to seat 1000 people with refreshment rooms etc. There was a promenade balcony around the roof. It opened 3 June 1927
It is of ornate cast-iron construction in a Chinese style by Walter MacFarlane of Glasgow, it used the same moulds, and has the same exterior appearance as the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Rothesay, Isle of Bute (2020 - the Isle of Bute Discovery Centre).
In 1991 it was proposed to demolish the Pavilion and redevelop the site. Following local opposition, the interior was converted into a bowing alley and night club (The Balcony); at the same time the exterior was restored.
