Tunbridge Wells Opera House- AKA Wetherspoons

In my last post on Tunbridge Wells, I made allusion to the Wetherspoons.

Well, once upon a time, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, there was an Opera House for all the Ton and the stylish people to frequent.  In these times of austerity and cuts in the arts, alas, the Opera House ceased its regular performances and services.
But, it became the Wetherspoons!

Step inside to find out what it is like inside.

 It certainly didn't disappoint! Our friend, who lives in TW, was keen to point out that Wetherspoons was keen to retain the original features and keep it so it could still be used as a theatre/opera house again in the future in theory. According to a review I read of it, it is used for an Opera performance once a year.

 Here are the Dress Circle and the Upper Circle seats.
 The Stage itself houses more tables with a higher balcony level stage still retained.
 The boxes still flank both sides of the stage.
 What I loved was the sheer scale of the place. Wetherspoons usually feel very spacious and this one, with its ceilings, really felt opulent and a great place to visit.

 I don't know if you can actually get into the seats in the Dress and Upper circles but certainly they make for a great view.
 This is the view from the stage looking out to the audience.
 The ceilings are beautiful and you really could be in a theatre if you just looked up.
 There is a secondary bar on the stage although they weren't serving from this at 10.30am on a Friday morning though they seemed to do some great breakfasts!
 Looking up above the Stage bar.
 All the rigging and the pulleys and the curtain mechanisms with the access gantries were still in place.
 It is definitely the most impressive Wetherspoons I have ever visited.
 Out in the foyer and on the walls, there are historical photos and documents pertaining to the history of the Opera House and the area.
 Here is a view of the Opera House in its heyday.

 Here are just a few views from the Foyer which, if you didn't know was a Wetherspoons now,you really might think it was still a theatre.
 Obligatory Paradox photo of the two mirrors in the foyer. I cannot resist it!