The Palace Theatre can be seen here at the end of Duke Street.
©East Ayrshire Council 
Palace Theatre in 2009, viewed from the bus station constructed on the Regent Street site. ©Mike Bailey
Palace Theatre and London Road ©Mike Bailey
Brenda Cochrane as Carabosse, the bad fairy. Sleeping Beauty, 2009. ©Imagine Theatre
Laura McMonagle as Prince Valiant and Adele Rankin as Princess Belle. Sleeping Beuty, 2009. ©Imagine Theatre
Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock
The Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock was originally opened as the Corn Exchange in 1863. It was converted to a theatre in 1903.
The red-sandstone Italianate tower dominates the cross at London Road and Green Street. The building is A-Listed and was one of James Ingram's finest designs in Kilmarnock.
When the building opened in opened in September, 1863, the lower storey contained shops. The upper storey held the Kilmarnock Library, Athenaeum and Reading-room There were two small offices used by the Burgh Registrar and Sanitary Inspector.
The adjacent Butter Market had a spacious hall with seating for twelve hundred patrons. There was a large finely-toned organ that cost £800.
The theatre offers a year round programme of music, comedy, drama, dance and light entertainment.
Building Details
The current theatre was formerly a public hall in the Corn Exchange, built 1862 with a robust two storey Victorian classical exterior with a tall, 4-stage, campanile over the entrance. Converted to a variety theatre with a fully equipped stage in 1903. The auditorium is long and narrow and the balcony is isolated from the stage by blank side walls. The modern interior is comfortable but nondescript.
History
Built 1863
Dates of use 1863. Continuing
Current state Extant
Current use Theatre
Listing Grade B 1980
Other names Corn Exchange Hall, Palace Theatre
Capacities
Original: 503.
Current: 503; Grand Hall 900
1863 Design and Construction: as a Corn Exchange.
Architect James Ingram
1886 Alteration with addition to the building.
Architect Robert Ingram
1903 Alteration: converted to music hall
Architect Steele
1927 Alteration: annexe hall added
Architect James Miller
1947 Alteration: creation of Grand Hall
Architect Gabriel Steel
1979 Alteration: rebuilt after fire
Architect Unknown
1980 - 1989 Alteration: further work to form the Palace Theatre
Architect Kilmarnock and Loudoun District Council
1985 Alteration: refurbished
Architect Unknown
Management
1903 Owner/Management: Palace Theatre Co, lessees
1922 Owner/Management: William Cummings, lessee
1956 Owner/Management: Kilmarnock Arts Group, lessee
Listing: A
Stage
Stage type Proscenium flat
Dimensions Stage dimensions: Depth: 9m
Proscenium width: 7.6m
Height to grid: 10.36m