The New Theatre opened in October 1914 in an Adams (neo-Classical) style building with a seating capacity of 1,100 with Mr. F. G. Knowles as manager. Through the 1930s the New Theatre hosted dramatic and musical companies and was in frequent use as a cinema. Live theatre was also hosted briefly after the Second World War, but the building soon reverted to sole cinema use before being converted into a bingo hall. It was briefly used as a furniture warehouse and almost converted into a Wetherspoons pub before the company pulled out of negotiations following a survey which revealed costly renovation work would be needed.
Meilyr Powel, RCAHMW, November 2020
Source:
'Entertaining South Wales, L-M', overthefootlights.co.uk, p.22