Metropole Cultural and Conference Centre

The Metropole Cultural and Conference Centre, commonly known as The Met, is a cultural venue in Abertillery, Wales. It is described as a local theatre offering a mix of live music, cinema, family entertainment, and theatre. The venue's history traces back to a Public Hall and Market Place built in 1892-1893, which was renamed The Metropole Opera House and Theatre in 1900. Today, it operates as part of the Awen Cultural Trust's venues.

In 1892, building work started on the new 'Public Hall and Market Place' in Abertillery. The 'Abertillery Market Hall, Land and Building Company Limited' bought the Market Hall and developed plans to build a new hall on its foundations, designed by architect Alfred Swash. The new Public Hall opened with an official opening concert on Wednesday 6 September 1893, featuring local solo singers, a pianist, and a harpist. The total cost was £4000. On 17 September 1900, the 'Public Hall and Market Place' was re-named 'The Metropole Opera House and Theatre', celebrated with a grand opening night. The Abertillery Operatic Society was formed in 1916 and used the Metropole for their performances. The Met witnessed incidents such as an 'affray' on 8th December 1900 when stage carpenter George Moon allegedly struck local roofer James Ross with an iron bar after a performance of 'Under the Czar'. Today, The Met is described as a local theatre in the heart of the town centre, offering a vibrant mix of live music, cinema, family entertainment, and theatre, with a diverse programme of events including free live music, lunchtime theatre, stand-up comedy, rock and blues, and cinema screenings.

1. 1The Met | Awen Box Officeawenboxoffice.com
2. 2The Met History and Heritage | Awen Box Officeawenboxoffice.com
3. 3Support Us | Awen Box Officeawenboxoffice.com
4. 4Metropole Cultural and Conference Centrewikidata.org