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The Liverpool Olympia

The Liverpool Olympia is one of the most versatile entertainment and conference venues in Merseyside. Built in 1905, The Olympia Theatre seated 3750 in stalls and 3 balconies. It has an ornate interior decorated with elephants and Indian panelling and a vast stage but was also designed to house circus events - the elephant, horse and lions accommodation still survives below the stage. In 1925 it was converted to a cinema, bought by ABC in 1930. Throughout the war it was used as a naval depot, remaining closed until sold to Mecca in 1948 when it was converted into a ballroom known as the Locarno. Bingo followed from 1964-82, then after being shuttered, bingo returned from 1987-90. After another period of disuse it was restored and used once more for live entertainment - including the circus. It has also been a discotheque. It is now a venue for boxing and concerts. It is grade II listed building. (information from Theatre Trust UK)