opened the theatre with a production of Spider's Web, and thereafter the repertory seasons were produced under three successive Artistic Directors: Tony Clayton, Leslie Lawton and Christopher Dunham, the last of whom spent over 25 years at the theatre. In 1973 Southend Council made generous donations to the Trust and the theatre was extensively redecorated. The theatre was designated as a Grade II listed building on the 23 August 1974. In 1980 the theatre had an opportunity to obtain the property adjoining the west of the building and with considerable help from the Appeal committee set up to raise funds for the redevelopment, half the cost supplied by Southend Council and a contribution from the Arts Council of England, the foyer, courtyard, workshop and wardrobe were built together with the Dixon Studio – a smaller auditorium with space for up to 100 patrons. The box office was moved to the new foyer which contains a large public bar and a small bistro. The alterations had cost £314,000. The Palace re-opened in 1982 as the Palace Theatre Centre with a Gala Night performance of Cabaret. In September of that year the Dixon opened with Duct for One. In 1986 the theatre was re-wired and in 1987 it closed for three months whilst the main auditorium was restored to its Edwardian splendour. Some areas of seating were reupholstered, lighting upgraded and a new carpet with the theatre's own logo laid in the foyer. This was rather appropriate, for in October 1987 the theatre celebrated its 75th birthday. On 21 October 1992 the theatre celebrated its 80th birthday with a play specially commissioned. It was written by Michael Wilcox who spent his childhood in Westcliff. The incidental music was provided by Barrington Pheloung, a local composer. Palace Theatre Repertory Company In March 1999 the theatre closed again, but after only a short period of time Green & Lenagan were retained to operate and programme the theatre on behalf of the Trust, for a period of five years. Roy Marsden has been appointed as Artistic Director of the Palace Theatre Repertory Company and directs at least 5 in-house productions a year. In addition there are lively mix of visiting companies, local amateur societies, one nighters and Sunday concerts. As before the theatre often hosts local bands on Sunday nights, and with free entry the foyer is often full to capacity. The New Palace Theatre