CREEPY images have captured the remnants of a 1920s theatre that has been looted and damaged by vandals after being abandoned over ten years ago.
In one image, a worn stage could be seen which was once home to actors and actresses who played out scenes to the masses. Scattered with debris and dirt, the dated flooring also featured a discarded poster that advertised a show which once appeared in the now damaged building.
Another image captured a tiny cupboard which was filled with dust and debris from the rotten walls. All over the floor, old bingo cards and a ‘hunky guys’ calendar from 2006 could be seen which were left to rot alongside leaflets and equipment such as a bingo ball machine.
Others showed a room which had been vandalised and left damaged as the roof was pictured caved in, alongside blinds which have been pulled down, and panels from the walls which have started to discolour and mould.
Another showed a vandalised sign on a torn-apart wall which read, ‘Thank you for not smoking in this area’ with the word ‘smoking’ crossed out by vandals to read ‘vaping.’
These spooky images were taken by delivery driver Adam Simpson (27) from Yorkshire, UK, who captured the images in Hull, UK. The Carlton Theatre first opened in September 1928 and showed the silent film Lonesome Ladies, an American 1927 comedy film. Adam used an iPhone 12 Pro Max to shoot these images.
“The Carlton Theatre is very local to my area and as there’s a lot of history involved with this place, as well as beautiful décor, I had been wanting to check it out for a while now,” Adam said. “As we entered, we noticed that props and chairs were left behind, as well as bingo cards from when it was used as a bingo hall. “We noticed green and gold sliding doors which were made out of Venetian glass, as well as Roman marble mosaics and painted plaster on the walls. “Above the proscenium were two entrances which had the inscription, ‘A picture is a poem without words’ written above it. “Despite how beautiful the décor was, most of the building had been damaged due to weather, pigeons and vandals. “Vandals had stolen thousands of pounds worth of valuables and damaged items in the process which were tossed around. “There was also graffiti all over the walls which read, ‘I see you’ and ‘I was once here’ – which really took away the beauty of this building. “I explored the theatre with another urban explorer and we went during the day as we had a few more locations to go to – but I think it would be far spookier at night. “We gained access through an open panel around the back of the property, so it was relatively easy to gain access and get inside. “I believe the property has been left derelict since 2008 and as we were walking around, you could get a proper feel for how the place would have once been when it opened. “I think it would have been very busy and packed with families who wanted to enjoy a day at the theatre. “As these types of buildings are getting rare to come by due to most of them being converted or knocked down, this one had a lot to offer.”
Carlton Theatre was shut down in 1967 after it was bought by the bingo company, Mecca. Mecca bingo served in this building until 2008 when it was shut down.
Following its closure, plans were put in place for the building to be converted into 43 flats, but the plan was rejected due to insufficient parking and the building has been left derelict since.
For more information, see www.mediadrumworld.com.
ALSO READ: Abandoned asylums – why don’t you step inside and stay for a while?
