Frank Matcham - greatest of the theatre architects

Many of the lovely old theatres in the UK are the creation of one man. Frank Matcham (1854-1920) was a prolific English architect who specialised in the design of theatres and music halls. His architectural innovations helped to make theatre-going a popular mainstream experience.

Frank Matcham was best known for his work in London, which included the designs of the Hippodrome (1900), Hackney Empire (1901), Coliseum (1903), Palladium (1910) and the Victoria Palace (1911).

Theatres he designed or redesigned outside London include the Cheltenham Everyman, the Grand Opera House, Belfast, Buxton Opera House, Bristol Hippodrome and King's Theatre, Glasgow.

During his 40-year career, he was responsible for the design and construction of over 90 theatres and the redesign and refurbishment of a further 80 throughout the United Kingdom. Many were demolished in the 1950s-60s but over 50 still remain.

Audiences at these historic old theatres have particular reason to be grateful to Matcham's use of cantilevers for the upper galleries, allowing him to discontinue the use of internal columns, which obstruct so many seats in the theatres designed by others.

Matcham also designed the decoration of the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.