Castleford’s second theatre, the Theatre Royal can trace no less an eventful history. Initially built as a salvation army barracks in the 1880s, it was converted to a theatre around 1900. Major alterations were undertaken in 1911 when the theatre re-opened with a seating capacity of 1,500, a 30 x 60 foot stage and 8 dressing rooms for the use of visiting artistes. Though the theatre changed hands by auction in 1919, a series of variety shows, plays and pantomimes continued to take place. February 1938 saw a fire, which destroyed the public bars, but left the auditorium and stage areas undamaged. By January 1955 interest had waned and the theatre closed. The next 5 years saw a number of attempts to revive it including attempts to use it as a wrestling venue and as a theatre/restaurant, but sadly none of these thrived and the building was converted to use as a supermarket.