The Albany Theatre is an impressive Art-Deco style theatre residing behind the superb façade of the old Coventry Technical College building. The building was designed in 1919, and the theatre opened in 1935. Known to its regulars as the Butts Theatre, it closed its doors behind the last audience member in January 2009, following the acquisition of the (then-named) City College site by developers.

The Theatre re-opened its doors on 1st February 2013, supported by Coventry City Council and a vast team of highly-valued volunteers. A considerable amount of work has taken place behind the scenes; revamping, replacing and renovating all services and facilities to provide safe and up-to-date equipment, an impressive array of dressing rooms, new sound and lighting systems and a full-height fly tower.

The Albany Theatre is ‘home’ to a range of local schools, musical theatre societies and community groups, as well as programming a complementary range of professional productions from comedy, live bands and tribute acts to dance and children’s productions – not forgetting our traditional annual pantomime.

I help out with the Theatre so went to the party to celebrate the second anniversary of its re-opening. It was a great opportunity to try out my new 85mm prime lens! Here are some photos of the night.