June 17 , 1977

WHAT is 65 years old, narrow, metallic brown in colour, 17 ft high and stops ladies in long, flowing costumes from reaching the Palace Theatre stage? The answer: a spiral staircase.

The staircase, which is part of the original building opened back in 1913, has become impractical now the new theatre extensions are taking shape so the manager Mr Edward Willis is offering it for sale.

He is reluctant to part with the stairway which has already been incorporated into the new extension.

"The spiral staircase is the only link between the new first floor and the stage," explained Mr Willis.

"As it is planned that all the dressing rooms will be situated on the first floor, the narrowness of the thing is going to cause a great deal of problems.

"So, beautiful though it is, it will have to go to make way for a new, more practical staircase."

Mr Willis said it had previously been valued at around the £750 mark but this had only been a guideline.

Anyone wishing to make an offer can deal with Mr Willis directly at the Palace Theatre.